A tropical storm heading towards Vietnam brought torrential rain and gales to south China's island province of Hainan on Sunday.

 

Rainfall of between 68-117 millimeters was reported in Qionghai, Qiongzhong and Tunchang in eastern and central Hainan along with strong winds, according to the provincial meteorological observatory.

 

No damage or casualties have been reported as the tropical storm was a full 140 kilometers southwest of Sanya, at the southern end of the island, at 5 a.m. on Monday. It continues to move northwestward at a rate of 15 km per hour, packing winds of up to 64 km per hour, and is forecast to hit the coast of central Vietnam on Monday afternoon or evening.

 

Heavy rain and gales are expected to continue in most areas of Hainan on Monday. Ships and local people have been instructed to take precautions.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 25, 2006)