At least 33 people went missing after two landslides hit two villages in China's eastern Zhejiang province, an onslaught brought about by Typhoon Megi.
Chinese state run news agency Xinhua reported that the landslides were triggered by the heavy rains after Typhoon Megi made landfall in mainland China.
Prior to its landfall in Fujian province, Typhoon Megi ravaged Taiwan's northeastern coastline leaving four people dead and 524 others were injured.
China closed down schools and cancelled dozens of flights as the typhoon barreled towards the southern province with winds of close to 120kph or 75mph.
Authorities evacuated more than 120,000 people who live or work close to the coast while thousands of fishing boats have been recalled to port to avoid the high winds and strong waves.
China Airlines stated that it had to cancel 24 flights starting Tuesday prior to the typhoon's entry into the mainland.
One of the landslides took place around 5 p.m. local time in Sucun, a village in Suichang County. Fifteen people were pulled out of the mud by rescuers and 27 villagers were reported still missing according to Xinhua.
At the same time, another landslide struck Baofeng, a village in Wencheng County, also in China's Zhejiang province. Xinhua reported that six people went missing after a mass of debris rolled down towards the homes in the small village from the mountainside.
During this time of the year, storms are extremely common. Normally, these typhoons would pick up strength as they cross the Pacific and once reaching the land, they would bring powerful winds and heavy rains.
Many critics are saying that local governing bodies, especially around the coastal provinces along China's eastern coast, the areas that are frequently hit by powerful storms, are either not properly distributing government funds or fail to spend enough on protection against floods and other problems caused by heavy rains.
