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Tropical storm Kestana brings strong gale to S China

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-09-28 13:49

HAIKOU: Strong gale brought by tropical storm Kestana began to hit China's southernmost island province of Hainan on Monday.

Related readings:  Tropical storm death toll rises to 51 in Philippines  Tropical storm hits Philippines

The provincial meteorological station monitored the storm at 16.1 degrees north and 113.3 degrees east, and was 470 km away from Hainan on Monday morning.

The station said the storm had strong winds of 108 km an hour at its eye, and is gathering strength. Its northern section may pass through the southern island on Tuesday.

The station on Monday issued a yellow alert on Kestana, under which all outdoor activities should be canceled, maritime affairs departments call vessels to return to harbor, and move coastal residents to safe places.

Kestana, the 16th storm to hit China this year, turned into a strong tropical storm at 5:00 a.m. Sunday, after causing severe casualties in the Philippines.