The southern coast of China is bracing itself for strong winds over the next 24 hours brought by the weakening typhoon Durian that has moved into the South China Sea after ravaging the Philippines.

 

According to the Central Meteorological Station, typhoon Durian, named after the tropical fruit, has been downgraded to a tropical storm and will keep moving southwestward at a speed of 15-20 kilometer per hour (kph).

 

The meteorological station reported late on Monday that most parts of China's south coast, the Taiwan Straits and the southeast coast of Taiwan will experience high winds.

 

According to the Philippines authorities, 425 people were killed and 599 reported are missing after typhoon Durian swept through the country.

 

(Xinhua News Agency December 5, 2006)