Super Typhoon Yagi, the 11th typhoon of the year, has wreaked havoc across southern China, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The powerful storm made two landfalls on Friday, first hitting the island province of Hainan and then striking Guangdong province.
The impact of the typhoon has been devastating. Four people were killed and 95 others injured, according to state-run Xinhua news agency. The storm brought torrential rain, gusty winds, and widespread flooding, forcing thousands of people to be evacuated for safety.
In Hainan, over 12,500 base stations were damaged, disrupting communication networks. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to restore services. The storm also caused significant disruption to transportation. High-speed rail services around the island were halted but are expected to resume Saturday afternoon. Ferry services across the Qiongzhou Strait are anticipated to restart by Sunday evening. Haikou Meilan International Airport remains closed until noon on Sunday due to the remnants of the typhoon, while Sanya Phoenix International Airport began gradually resuming flights at 10 am on Saturday.
Guangdong province experienced similar devastation. By noon on Saturday, 729,954 people had been evacuated due to the threat of flooding. Heavy rainfall has battered the western part of the province, with Xiaqiao township recording the highest accumulated precipitation at 415.6 millimeters. Despite the storm’s weakening, several cities have resumed classes, work, transportation, and other services since Saturday. More than 34,400 rescue personnel are working diligently in Zhanjiang, Yangjiang, Jiangmen, and Maoming cities to aid in disaster relief efforts.
The storm’s impact extends beyond Hainan and Guangdong. In the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, approximately 60,000 residents were evacuated. As of Saturday morning, over 107,000 households were without power. Heavy rains lashed over 30 townships, and strong gales affected more than 110 townships. Authorities have issued flood alerts as water levels in several rivers continue to rise.
China’s National Meteorological Centre has renewed its red alert – its highest alert level – for Typhoon Yagi. The storm is expected to bring torrential rain to parts of Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi, Guangdong, and Hainan until Sunday afternoon.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged increased disaster relief efforts in response to the typhoon’s devastating impact on the country’s southern region. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and working to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected population.
