Strongest Typhoon To Hit Shanghai Since 1949 Shuts Down Megacity

Pedestrians struggle with their umbrellas in strong winds and rain from the passage of Typhoon Bebinca in Shanghai on Monday (Credit: AFP)

Tens of millions of people in Shanghai and across China's densely populated east coast hunkered indoors Monday as the strongest storm to hit since 1949 swept in, downing trees and disrupting transport across the region.

Typhoon Bebinca landed early Monday morning in the city's eastern coastal area, with wind speeds of up to 151 kilometres per hour (94 miles per hour), state media said.