Heavy rain and gales brought by a tropical storm heading towards Vietnam hit south China's island province of Hainan on Sunday.

Rainfall between 68 and 117 millimeters was reported in Qionghai, Qiongzhong and Tunchang, in eastern and central Hainan, along with strong gales, according to the provincial meteorological observatory.

No damage or casualties have been reported as the tropical storm was a full 140 kilometers southwest of Sanya, at the southern end of the island, at 5 a.m. on Monday.

It continues to move northwestward at a rate of 15 km per hour, packing winds of up to 64.8 km per hour, and is forecast to hit the coast of central Vietnam on Monday afternoon or evening.

Heavy rain and gales are expected to continue in most areas of Hainan on Monday. Ships and local people in Hainan have been ordered to take precautions.

(Xinhua News Agency September 25, 2006)