Typhoon Rammasun strengthens as it approaches ChinaJuly 18, 2014 - 10:47 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A typhoon heading toward southern China has strengthened as it approaches the provinces of Hainan and Guangdong and is now a super typhoon, the government said on Friday, July 18, ordering that all efforts be made to prevent loss of life, Reuters reported. Typhoon Rammasun, which has already killed at least 54 people in the Philippines, is expected to make landfall between the two provinces on Friday afternoon, the National Meteorological Center said on its website. Packing winds of up to 180 kmph (112 mph), it will also bring heavy rains before moving into southwestern China, state news agency Xinhua added, saying the typhoon would be the strongest to hit the island of Hainan in 40 years. The Hainan government said it had ordered fishermen back to port while many flights, and all train services, were canceled. State television said access to all scenic spots on the island, which styles itself as China's answer to Hawaii, had been closed, and 30,000 people evacuated from low-lying coastal areas. Premier Li Keqiang, describing the situation as severe, said people's lives must be put first, the Hainan government added. "Prevent any accidents that may be caused (by the typhoon) and reduce disaster losses as much as possible," it cited Li as saying. Typhoons are common at this time of year in the South China Sea, picking up strength from the warm waters and dissipating over land. Flooding across a large swathe of southern China in the past week has already killed at least 34 people. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |