Thousands of people were evacuated in southern China and Vietnam on Monday, and dozens of flights were canceled as a typhoon barrelled towards land. Powerful winds, storm surges, and lashing rains are forecast to hammer the southern coastline from Guangdong to Hainan provinces when typhoon Talim makes landfall on Monday night, the China Meteorological Administration said. The national weather forecaster has issued an orange alert, the second-highest warning in a four-tier color-coded system.
The agency added that it is expected to intensify into a severe typhoon before it hits the mainland. The governments of the southern coastal regions in China and Vietnam have activated emergency plans, recalled ships to port, suspended ferry services, and closed schools and tourist attractions. They have also instructed residents to stay indoors and to move to safer areas if necessary.
In Guangdong, the storm has prompted local government departments to recall all fishing vessels back to port and inspect and strengthen seawalls in coastal cities and counties. Ferry services in the Qiongzhou Strait have been temporarily suspended. The Guangdong meteorological observatory has also asked local governments to strengthen inspections and maintenance of sandbags at all ports and coastal seawalls in high-risk areas. The observatory has also warned the public to avoid tidal barriers and not to swim in the seas, lakes, or rivers.
Storms have already brought flooding and landslides to parts of southern China, where many affected regions are still recovering from severe flooding caused by Typhoon Nepartak last month. The storm triggered widespread business, transport, and flight disruptions in Hong Kong, while schools and government offices were closed.
A low-pressure area spotted 1,070 kilometers east of the Philippine island of Mindanao could also develop into a typhoon, state weather forecasters said on Sunday. They said it has a “high chance” of becoming a powerful typhoon and bringing heavy rain to the island’s northern part in the coming days.
The meteorological center warned that heavy rains and gusty winds will likely hit the island, which is currently experiencing a drought. It is also susceptible to floods and mudslides, it added.
Talim, spotted 375 km southeast of Zhanjiang in Guangdong at 5 pm on Sunday, is moving west by north and will increase its speed, the NMC said. The center forecast gale force winds in seas near southern provinces and regions and hefty rain of 250-280 mm (9.8-11 inches) on the southwestern coast of Guangdong and northern Hainan island.
The storm threatens the lives and property of millions of people in the region, especially those who live in mountains, valleys, or on the coast. The typhoon is likely to cause flooding, landslides, and power outages. It will also affect food and water supplies and may result in the deaths of people and animals. The typhoon is the fourth to hit China this year, causing torrential rains and massive destruction.
