Typhoon Sanba slammed into South Korea Monday with torrential rains, forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of people.

The typhoon's winds reached 155 kilometers per hour, with higher gusts.

Sanba pounded the southern island of Jeju, leaving about 10,000 people without electricity.

Several Korean dams have discharged water in an effort to control their water levels.

The transportation ministry says flights and ferry services have been canceled across the country.

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak has ordered the military and other agencies to be prepared for emergency relief and recovery operations.