Aftermath of Typhoon Meranti on Chinese mainland and Taiwan island

World Today

flooded streetRescuers relocate trapped local residents in Nan’an, southeast China’s Fujian Province, Sept. 16, 2016. Disaster relief and reconstruction were launched after Typhoon Meranti swept away and left severe damages. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)

At least eight people have been reported dead after a powerful typhoon lashed much of southeastern Chinese mainland and Taiwan island.

China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs on Friday updated the number of deaths, which struck Fujian province early Thursday.

Nine people in China are still missing.

Rescuers search for survivors at a landslide

Rescuers search for survivors at a landslide area in Nan’an, southeast China’s Fujian Province, Sept. 16, 2016. Disaster relief and reconstruction were launched after Typhoon Meranti swept away and left severe damages. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)

The Ministry of Civil Affairs and the National Commission for Disaster Reduction dispatched work teams to assess the damage and help with rescue work, Chinese State television said.

According to Chinese officials, Meranti forced the relocation of 33 million people and destroyed 1,600 homes.

Images shared by state news media showed power lines and destroyed vehicles downed on streets in the coastal city of Xiamen.

But even as the cleanup is underway there, another typhoon, Malakas, is expected to hit Taiwan island late Friday and Saturday.

Story by Xinhua and Associated Press