Landslide 'washed away' fleeing Indian villagers
Meanwhile, Shanghai cancels flights and slows subway trains as Typhoon In-Fa lashes China
Deaths from flooding and landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains in India climbed to 124 yesterday, officials said, with rescuers searching for dozens more missing.
The country's western coast has been inundated by torrential rains since Thursday, with the India Meteorological Department warning of further downpours over the next few days.
In Maharasthra state, 114 people have been killed including more than 40 in a large landslide that hit the hillside village of Taliye, south of Mumbai, on Thursday.
Villager Jayram Mahaske, whose relatives remained trapped, told AFP that "many people were washed away as they were trying to run away" when the landslide hit.
It flattened dozens of homes in a matter of minutes, leaving just two concrete structures standing and cutting off power supply, local residents said.
Rescuers were scouring the mud and debris for 99 others still missing.
Meanwhile, Shanghai and neighbouring coastal regions cancelled all flights, slowed or suspended subway trains and shuttered businesses as Typhoon In-Fa made landfall yesterday.
The typhoon landed in the Putuo district of the city of Zhoushan, a major port in the east coast province of Zhejiang, after noon yesterday, state broadcaster CCTV said, citing the China Meteorological Administration.
In-Fa's wind speeds are about 137kmh. It was due to travel north along the Zhejiang coast from around noon, passing Shanghai and reaching north-eastern Jiangsu province by the evening.
Zhejiang authorities upgraded its typhoon response to the highest level on Saturday, closing schools and markets.
Both Shanghai and Hangzhou cancelled flights from Saturday, and many train services in the region were also halted. The Shanghai government said it would slow its subway trains, while Hangzhou authorities warned residents that underground trains would be suspended. - AFP, REUTERS
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now
