Hong Kong , China ( CNN ) -- Typhoon Megi cut a deadly path into Asia on Friday , triggering mudslides that killed seven people and trapped more than 400 others in automobiles in Taiwan , officials said . At least 23 people , including 19 passengers on a tour bus , remained missing Friday night , Taiwan 's official Central News Agency reported . Rescuers were searching for the missing and providing food to other stranded tourists trapped in the mountainous region of northeastern Taiwan . Helicopters were able to evacuate about 70 people , China 's state-run Xinhua news agency reported . The driver and a passenger of a second tour bus were also listed as missing Friday after their vehicle was buried by a landslide , CNA reported . Soldiers were deployed to rescue those trapped , including about 200 visitors from China , said Cai Min , a spokesman for Taiwan 's National Disaster Prevention and Protection Commission . More than two dozen travelers had been rescued by late afternoon Friday , officials said . The rock slides happened mainly along the Suhua Highway , in northeast Taiwan , Cai said . Megi , which killed at least 11 people in the Philippines , is expected to reach the Asian continent in southern China early Saturday , according to the Hong Kong Observatory . On the streets of Hong Kong , there were no signs of the typhoon yet . `` Although it is difficult to predict Megi 's exact track , the public should stay alert and attend to their personal safety . They should stay away from the shoreline , avoid unnecessary outdoor activities and ensure drains are not blocked , '' acting Secretary for Security Lai Tung-kwok said . As precautions , crews in Hong Kong were deployed to pile sandbags , inspect and trim trees and check drains . Temporary shelters were being opened , and myriad boats were moored . Megi may be the strongest typhoon to hit China this year , the state-run Xinhua news agency has said . In southern China , strong gales arrived ahead of Megi . Domestic and international flights have been cancelled , and ferry services have been suspended in Guangdong , Fujian and Hainan , state-run China Daily said . In Guangdong , crews have fanned out to inspect reservoirs , dikes and water-conservation projects , in an effort to prevent storm-related injuries and deaths . Nearly 130,000 fishing boats have been recalled in Fujian , Guangdong and Hainan provinces , and more than 150,000 people have fled for safety in Fujian , according to Xinhua . Officials have issued the highest of four warnings , bracing for possible devastation in coastal areas , Xinhua said . The warning allows local officials six hours to evacuate residents , close schools and airports , and recall vessels that are considered at risk . On Thursday in the Philippines , lawmakers placed the province of Pangasinan under a state of emergency , to help municipalities recover from Megi , which was known in the Philippines as Typhoon Juan . The typhoon affected an estimated 258,844 Filipinos , leaving thousands homeless . CNN 's Helena Hong contributed to this report .
NEW : At least 23 people are missing , including 19 on a tour bus . NEW : Helicopters are able to evacuate 70 stranded tourists . Megi is advancing on southern China after deadly triggering mudslides in Taiwan .