2013 Most Powerful Typhoon: Usagi Kills at least 25 in China, Tally Expected to Rise

Typhoon Usagi, dubbed as 2013's most powerful typhoon since 1984, has killed at least 25 in China. The fatality tally is still expected to rise.The deaths, according to state television broadcaster CCTV in its Web site, came after the storm made landfall Sunday in the province.

Those killed came from China's southern coast, including 13 in Shanwei of Guangdong province. The causes of deaths ranged from being hit by debris and drowning. Another was killed by a falling window pane.

2013 Most Powerful Typhoon: Usagi Kills At Least 25 in China, Tally Expected to Rise

Typhoon Usagi, the worst storm to hit the Western Pacific this year, toppled trees, cranes as well as lift and flew cars off roads in China.

Video Source:Youtube/CCTV News

About 170,000 households are in dark after the storm brought down three major power lines in coastal Fujian, state media Xinhua News reported.

The Daya Bay nuclear power plant, meantime, in Guangdong province had initiated emergency response schemes. The Chinese nuclear plant is located just east of Hong Kong, which was lucky enough as the centre of the Typhoon Usagi just skirted it.

The Daya Bay nuclear power plant had been ordered to reduce its operational load.

Shipping was cancelled between China and Taiwan. Authorities likewise suspended airline flights to cities in southern Guangdong and Fujian. Operations of bullet trains were likewise suspended.

In Hong Kong, Typhoon Usagi only gave off tides of up to 3 metres as well as minor flooding in low lying areas, since its centre skirted 100 kilometres north of the city. However, with more than 370 flights cancelled, thousands got stranded in Hong Kong on Monday.

#Usagi was such a disappointing and anticlimactic typhoon for HK. Out of breath so early, hit land by 2140 and we only got a bit of rain...
— chumazing (@chumazing) September 23, 2013

Usagi avoided. It skirted to the north of Hong Kong. Second close call of the year.
— Justin T (@WillBlog4Food) September 23, 2013

Video Source: Youtube/ TyphoonHunter

Everyone in Hong Kong is pissed off with Typhoon #Usagi as the people have to drag themselves to work on monday morning
— Freakingcat (@freakingcat) September 23, 2013

While authorities have yet to lift the category 8 storm alert remains, the financial markets are already set to re-open by 1 pm, local time.