Super Typhoon Yagi Strikes Southern China
Super Typhoon Yagi made landfall on Hainan Island in southern China this afternoon, unleashing winds exceeding 234 kilometers per hour. According to state-run Xinhua news agency, the typhoon hit Wengtian Township in Wenchang City at 4:20 p.m. local time. This weather event has been dubbed one of the most severe to affect Asia this year, prompting the evacuation of over 400,000 residents from the island.
Yagi has rapidly intensified, with maximum winds recorded at 245 km/h, marking it as the world's second most powerful tropical cyclone of 2024, following Atlantic Hurricane Beryl. The typhoon's strength has more than doubled since it wreaked havoc in the northern Philippines earlier this week, now posing a significant threat to the Chinese coastline.
Emergency Measures and Impact
In anticipation of the impending disaster, Chinese authorities have escalated their emergency response to floods in both Hainan and Guangdong provinces to the third highest level. The Ministry of Water Resources has warned that Yagi may be the most powerful typhoon to strike China's southern coast since 2014, complicating flood prevention efforts. The typhoon's winds are comparable to a category 4 hurricane, according to NASA data.
As transportation systems face severe disruptions, numerous flights have been canceled across Hainan, Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. In Hong Kong, the stock exchange has closed, and schools are shut down as the city remains under alert T8, the third highest warning on the scale. Local businesses are also expected to close, significantly impacting public transport.
Future Threats and Evacuations in Vietnam
Following its impact on China, Super Typhoon Yagi is projected to continue its trajectory toward Vietnam, where it is expected to affect northern and north-central regions, including the famous Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Authorities have mobilized 457,000 military personnel for disaster relief efforts, and tens of thousands of residents are being evacuated to safer areas in Hai Phong and Thai Binh provinces. The Defense Ministry has also instructed 50,000 fishing boats to seek shelter as Yagi approaches.
This impending threat has raised concerns, with local officials warning that this could be the most powerful typhoon to hit Vietnam in 20 years, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and safety measures.
