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China braces for twin tropical cyclones after deadly flash floods

Two cyclones will bring winds and heavy rain to China's eastern seaboard this week, with the first expected to make landfall on Sunday, after fatal flash floods struck the nation's interior over the weekend.

Prapiroon, called after a Thai rain god, is expected to make landfall in China's southernmost island province of Hainan on Sunday night as a strong hurricane, the 2nd tropical cyclone to strike China this year, nationwide forecasters said.

Formed in the South China Sea, Prapiroon's centre was about 275 kilometres (170 miles) southeast of the Hainan city of Wanning as of 7 a.m. (2300 GMT).

The maximum wind speed near its centre will depend on 30 metres per second (110 kph) when Prapiroon lands, the National Meteorological Centre said, forecasting downpours in Hainan and along the coast of Guangdong, China's most populated province.

Later on this week, Gaemi, which was about 530 kilometres (330. miles) northeast of the Philippine capital of Manila on Sunday. morning, is expected to brush past the northern idea of Taiwan,. then make landfall in mainland China as a tropical storm, packaging. maximum wind speeds of 50 metres per 2nd (180 kph), according. to Chinese forecasters.

Severe rains has hit China's southern, central and. eastern parts in a flood season that started earlier than normal. this year. Record rainfall pounded southern China in April to. June, while in the north, dry weather condition dry fields and. threatened crops.

In the northwestern province of Shaanxi, a highway bridge. collapsed on Friday amidst torrential rain, eliminating at least 12,. with 31 people and 18 automobiles still missing.

In Sichuan province in the southwest, rescuers had actually retrieved. 8 bodies and pulled 4 people to safety by 8 p.m. on. Saturday, after more than 30 went missing out on amidst flash floods.

(source: Reuters)