Strong winds and turbulent seas are expected in the waters of the South China Sea and Sulu Sea, Bernama reported.

The tropical storm is moving westwards at a speed of 20km/h and could reach a maximum wind speed of 111 km/h.

More than 50,000 people in China’s southernmost island of Hainan have been evacuated as Trami gathers strength, the provincial meteorological bureau said, reported Xinhua.

Trami, designated as this year’s 20th typhoon, is expected to rotate over the waters off the southern coast of Hainan and the Xisha Islands on Sunday night.

RMAF aid mission to Philippines

Earlier today, a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) EC725 helicopter with 16 crew members arrived in the Philippines for a disaster relief mission after the country was hit by the tropical storm.

Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia has offered the Philippines a C-130 Hercules aircraft for transport of aid items to affected areas, as well as a team to assist in search and rescue operations.

Up to half a million people in the Philippines have been displaced by widespread flooding due to heavy rain from the tropical storm, according to international media reports.

At least 87 people have been killed, with the Bicol region, southeast of Manila, the worst hit with 28 deaths, followed by the Calabarzon province with 15 deaths.

Trami is the 11th typhoon to hit the Phillipines this year. It crossed the main island of Luzon, causing widespread destruction from floods and landslides.