A PASSENGER train hit by landslides derailed yesterday in eastern China, killing at least 19 people and injuring more than 70 others, state media reported.

A 71-year-old grandmother has become a local celebrity in China for her valiant efforts to control traffic at a busy pedestrian crossing.

More than 540,000 people evacuated low-lying areas along China’s southeast coast as Typhoon Sepat roared toward the mainland today after battering Taiwan.

Typhoon Saomai, the most powerful storm to hit China in five decades, raged ashore today and churned across the crowded south-east, killing at least two people, wrecking houses and capsizing ships after 1.5 million residents were evacuated.

Authorities evacuated 1.3 million people from areas along China’s south-eastern coast today ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Saomai.

Flooding and landslides triggered by Typhoon Talim killed at least 45 people on China’s mainland and left 21 missing, the government said in Beijing today.

Torrential rains and flooding from Typhoon Talim killed at least 10 people and left 15 missing in eastern China, the government said today.

Authorities in south-eastern China put 800,000 people in temporary shelters as Typhoon Haitang churned toward the coast today with fierce rains and high winds after hammering northern Taiwan and leaving three people dead.

Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from China’s south-east coast ahead of the expected arrival of Typhoon Haitang.