Guangdong Province has elevated its typhoon emergency response to Level I, the highest alert, at 8:00 AM on October 5, as Typhoon Matmo, the 21st typhoon this year, intensifying and moving closer to the coast.
In previous typhoon Ragasa
The Guangdong provincial flood control, drought relief and wind prevention headquarters mandated all localities and departments to comprehensively implement defensive measures. This includes enhancing monitoring and forecasting, conducting hidden risk investigations, transferring at-risk populations, and preparing for emergency rescue and disaster relief operations to ensure the safety of people's lives and property.
In previous typhoon Ragasa
Typhoon Track and Intensity
According to the China's Central Meteorological Observatory, Typhoon Matmo is expected to make landfall between Wuchuan in Guangdong Province and Wenchang in Hainan Province around noon on October 5. It is forecasted to be a severe typhoon upon landfall, with maximum wind speeds near its center reaching 14th force (42-45 meters per second).
The typhoon is predicted to bring extreme weather conditions to the region:
On October 5, parts of southwestern Guangdong are expected to experience heavy rain to torrential rain, with localized extremely torrential rain reaching 250-320 mm.
The Leizhou Peninsula and coastal areas of Guangdong may see winds of force 9-11, with gusts of force 12-13. Some sea areas and regions could experience winds of force 12-14, with gusts reaching force 15-16.
In previous typhoon Ragasa
Widespread Disruptions and Precautionary Measures
In response to the approaching typhoon, extensive transportation suspensions and public safety measures have been implemented:
· Local measures in Zhanjiang: Zhanjiang city has implemented comprehensive "Five Stop" measures (suspending classes, work, production, operations, and transportation) across the entire city from October 4.
· Local measures in Zhuhai: Zhuhai has upgraded its emergency response to Level III. Kindergartens, nurseries, and primary and secondary schools are closed. High-altitude, water-based, and outdoor group activities have been stopped, and scenic spots, coastal bathing beaches, and amusement parks have been shut down.
· Local measures in Dongguan: Numerous public spaces and tourist attractions in Dongguan have suspended operations.
· Highway Closures: Starting from 8:00 AM on October 5, all expressways in the Zhanjiang area have been closed in both directions. Additionally, nine expressways in western Guangdong under the Guangdong Transportation Group have implemented temporary traffic control measures, with mainlines closed in both directions.
· Air Travel: All flights at Zhanjiang Wuchuan International Airport for October 5 have been canceled due to the typhoon.
· Marine Transport: Partial suspensions of ferry services are in effect at Nansha Passenger Port. Several sailings between the port and Hong Kong's China Hong Kong City and Hong Kong International Airport have been halted from October 4 to 5.
· Qiongzhou Strait Suspension: The roll-on/roll-off (passenger) transport across the Qiongzhou Strait was suspended from 4:00 PM on October 4. The suspension is expected to last for about two days.
· Attraction Closures: Multiple tourist attractions in Maoming City and Guangzhou's Nansha District have also been temporarily closed.
Authorities urge residents in affected areas, particularly in Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan, to remain highly vigilant and stay updated with the latest official advisories.
Reporter | Huang Xinyi
Photo | Xinhua News Agency
Editor | Hu Nan, Shen He
