Typhoon hits Taiwan as death toll from Rammasun rises

BEIJING (AP) — The death toll from Typhoon Rammasun -- the strongest typhoon to hit China's south in decades -- was raised to 46 on Tuesday, increasing the overall toll to 151 people dead in three countries just before Typhoon Matmo hit Taiwan and takes aim on China.

Matmo made landfall along the east coast of Taiwan Tuesday night, local time, with winds over 100 mph, AccuWeather reported.

Heavy rain fell across Lanyu Township, just east of the main island of Taiwan into Tuesday evening. Rainfall of 10-12 inches was reported.

Matmo should then hit the Chinese mainland on Wednesday afternoon or evening, far east of Rammasun's path.

The Civil Affairs Ministry said 25 other people were still missing after Typhoon Rammasun made landfall Friday. The storm brought hail and heavy rains and destroyed tens of thousands of homes, damaged roads and ports and cut electricity and water supplies in southern Chinese cities.

It was the strongest typhoon to hit southern China in 41 years, with wind speeds reaching 130 mph, according to the China Meteorological Administration. It also caused 94 deaths in the Philippines earlier last week and at least 11 in Vietnam over the weekend.

The official Xinhua News Agency said heavy rains were expected in Shanghai and other areas from Matma and that authorities were prepared to respond to flooding.

Contributing: Doyle Rice, USA TODAY