Tens of thousands of residents in southern China have been evacuated as Typhoon Tapah made landfall in Guangdong province, prompting widespread disruptions including flight cancellations and school closures. The storm hit the coastal city of Taishan on Monday morning, bringing with it fierce winds and heavy rainfall, which emergency management officials have been closely monitoring.
According to the Guangdong Meteorological Bureau, a yellow alert—the third highest level on China’s four-tier warning system—was issued as the storm approached. Authorities forecasted thunderstorms accompanied by gale-force winds, highlighting the need for caution among residents. Reports indicate that approximately 60,000 people were evacuated in advance of Tapah’s arrival, which was marked by maximum winds of 108 kilometers per hour (67 miles per hour).
To safeguard public safety, Guangdong’s Emergency Management Department prohibited all outdoor activities and closed parks and beaches, while schools in the region were shuttered. In Taishan alone, classes were suspended for about 120,000 students in kindergartens and primary schools. Furthermore, in Jiangmen, around 41,000 individuals were evacuated as part of precautionary measures. Chinese state media reported the readiness of approximately 3,300 emergency personnel stationed in the area to assist as necessary.
Typhoon Tapah is the 16th storm to impact Guangdong this year, yet authorities remain vigilant, anticipating that it will move north-westward and gradually lose strength as it continues its path. Cities such as Jiangmen, Maoming, and Zhuhai raised their respective typhoon alerts and followed with decisions to close schools.
In Hong Kong, a major economic center in the region, cancellations of hundreds of flights occurred, leaving travelers at the airport waiting for updates regarding their travel plans. Macao, another key regional hub known for its vibrant tourism, also implemented closings across schools, public transport, and taxi services, further highlighting the typhoon’s extensive impact.
In Yangjiang, a city situated just west of Hong Kong, authorities evacuated around 1,785 workers from 26 offshore wind platforms, alongside 2,026 personnel from local fish farms, exemplifying the level of preparedness in place to keep residents safe. Authorities continue to advise vigilance among those living in areas affected by the storm, emphasizing the importance of safety during such natural events.
As Typhoon Tapah proceeds on its trajectory, communities remain focused on recovery and preparedness, showcasing resilience in the face of natural challenges.
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