New Delhi, Sept. 25 -- Southern Chinese cities scaled back many aspects of daily life Tuesday with school and business closures and flight cancellations as they braced for one of the strongest typhoons in years that has already killed three people and displaced thousands in the Philippines.

Thousands of people were evacuated from northern Philippine villages and schools and offices were closed Monday as one of this year's strongest typhoons threatened to cause flooding and landslides.

Residents living in flood-prone areas put sandbags and barriers at their doors, while others taped windows and glass doors to brace for strong winds. Many people stockpiled food and other supplies, and some market vendors reported their goods were selling ...