E China provinces brace for typhoon Muifa

High billows strike the seashore in Lianyungang, East China's Jiangsu province, August 7, 2011. Typhoon Muifa, the ninth typhoon to hit China this year, is weakening as it moves further north along the country's affluent and densely-populated eastern coast, forcing the evacuation of 610,000 residents on its course, authorities said Sunday. Shipping services in Lianyungang and seashore swimming activity were suspended due to the typhoon. [Photo / Xinhua]

High billows are seen in Zhanqiao sea area in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province, August 7, 2011. Typhoon Muifa, the ninth typhoon to hit China this year, is weakening as it moves further north along the country's densely-populated eastern coast, forcing the evacuation of 610,000 residents on its course, authorities said Sunday. The typhoon, bringing gusts up to 178 km per hour, is moving at 25 km per hour towards the coast of Shandong Province. [Photo / Xinhua]