Heavy storms have lashed Hong Kong and southwest China, killing at least 17 people and leaving more than 100 injured.

 An estimated 11,000 tourists and 2,700 residents are stranded in rural areas of mainland China as roads leading to tourist attractions are blocked and telecommunications are cut off.

 More than 100 people were injured and trees were ripped from the ground as a typhoon hit Hong Kong packing winds in excess of 140kmh, officials said.

Airport authorities were forced to cancel 60 flights, 60 were delayed and 16 were diverted.

In Beijing, most scenic spots survived the strong winds unscathed, but storms continued to lash neighboring Hebei province, killing at least 17 people. Many are still missing.

The highway linking Beijing, Hong Kong and Macau remained blocked on Monday.

Authorities have called for tighter control of boats and small ships on the Yangtze River to ease river traffic congestion at the Three Gorges Dam, which is about to face the largest flood peak of the year this week. 

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