Tropical storm hits China

A devastating tropical storm has hit south-east China, killing almost 200 people.

The death toll in the region has so far reached 178 and with a further 138 still missing . It is likely the number of dead will continue to rise over the coming days.

Tropical Storm Bilis battered the region and has caused severe damage to the area, with streets flooded and police having to use boats to reach the affected areas.

More rain has been forecast for the stricken Guangdong province, where the storm has already flooded properties, farmland, cut transport links including roads and railways, and hit power supplies.

According to Xinhua, the inland province of Hunan bore the brunt of the storm, as rains burst a dam and flooded a mine and buildings above collapsed.

So far over 250,000 people have been evacuated from the city of Lechang, with waters reportedly rising by as much as ten feet in some areas.