Typhoon makes mess in S. China

Several deaths, many injuries are reported as Hato sweeps westward

Hato, the strongest typhoon to hit the country this year, ravaged coastal regions in South China with fierce winds and waves.

Five people died in the Macao Special Administrative Region as the typhoon brought chaos and destruction to the enclave after sweeping through neighboring Hong Kong.

Local media reported severe flooding, showing cars underwater and people swimming through Macao's streets. The region's mega casinos were running on backup generators.

A 30-year-old man died after being hit by a falling wall in strong winds; a 62-year-old man fell from his home on the 11th floor of a building; and a 45-year-old tourist from the Chinese mainland died after being struck by a car. Two people were found dead in a basement of a grain and oil shop. Another two people were missing.

In Hong Kong, the weather observatory issued its highest warning for the second time since 2000. The first was in 2012. As of Wednesday evening, a total of 121 people had been injured, according to the Hong Kong government.