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Over 1,400,000 affected by Morakot in Fujian
By Hu Meidong and Ding Xueping (China Daily Fujian Bureau)
Updated: 2009-08-11 14:12

Rainstorms and floods caused by Typhoon Morakot have created huge economic losses in Fujian, affecting more than 1,400,000 people.

The central and northern coastal regions of Fujian province have been pummeled by strong winds and heavy rain, and cities like Fuding, Xiapu and Fuan have seen inland water loggings.

The direct economic loss has jumped to over 1.5 billion yuan.

As of August 10, six cities, 46 counties and 1.411 million people were dealing with Morakot's aftermath, which left one person dead and one missing. Over 527,000 people were evacuated, 1,150 houses destroyed and 66,060 hectares of crops damaged, according to the Fujian Headquarters for Flood Control and Drought Relief.

Morokot has moved out of Fujian, but rains are continuing. Relevant organizations are still investigating specific losses caused by the typhoon.

Tropical storm Morokot formed in the Western Pacific area in the early morning of August 4, then increased to a typhoon which landed on Hualien county in Taiwan at 23:45 on August 7, slamming into Ningde, Fujian province at 16:20 on August 9. It is the worst tropical storm to hit Fujian this year.