Typhoon Sanba lashes S. Korea

SEOUL - Typhoon Sanba struck South Korea with torrential rain and strong wind on Monday, leaving tens of thousands of homes without power and suspending ferry and flights.

Sanba, with gust blowing at 38 meters per second, was heading northwards at a speed of 22 kilometers per hour after pounding the country's southwest coastal areas in the morning, according to the Korean Meteorological Administration (KMA).

The typhoon is forecast to venture out into the sea off the east coast of the Korean peninsula later in the day.

About 500,000 households in the island of Jeju and southern coastal regions suffered blackouts, but power has been restored in most houses, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

More than 200 flights -- mostly domestic -- and ferry services have been canceled since Sunday, the transport ministry said, adding that train services have also been disrupted.

About 1,100 residents in areas deemed vulnerable have been evacuated to shelters, the National Emergency Management Agency said, while another 12,000 residents in other areas have been advised to evacuate.

Thousands of schools in southern regions remained closed Monday.

Flooding caused by the powerful typhoon left 29 people homeless in Jeju and the southern port city of Yeosu, the NEMA said.

Sanba is the third major typhoon to hit South Korea after Typhoon Bolaven and Tembin hit the country in late August, leaving more than 20 people dead.