Super Typhoon Yagi makes landfall in south China, 570,000 relocated

Super Typhoon Yagi, the 11th typhoon of this year, made landfall in south China's Hainan Province on Friday afternoon, according to the province's emergency management headquarters.

The typhoon, packing winds exceeding 234 kilometers per hour, hit the coast of Wengtian Township in Wenchang City at 4:20 p.m.

The typhoon has brought heavy rainfall across most of the island, with severe rainstorms in certain townships and villages. The northern part of Hainan has experienced strong winds ranging from level 13 to 16, while some cities and counties have faced power outages.

Yagi is forecast to move toward the provincial capital of Haikou, as well as Chengmai and Lingao counties, before heading to the Beibu Gulf on Saturday morning, according to the provincial meteorological bureau. 

The Ministry of Water Resources warned that some rivers in Hainan and Guangdong provinces could see water levels exceeding alert levels due to Super Typhoon Yagi.

From Friday to Saturday, the Nandu and Changhua rivers in Hainan, and Jianjiang and Moyang rivers in Guangdong could swell as heavy rainfalls brought by the typhoon are expected to lash parts of south China.

The ministry said it will closely monitor the typhoon and rain-induced floods, and guide the local authorities on preventive efforts.

Guangdong has relocated over 570,000 residents as Yagi is expected to make its second landfall in the province on Friday evening, said the provincial meteorological department.

Yagi's second landfall is expected at Xuwen County under Zhanjiang City, according to the department.

According to Guangdong's flood, drought and typhoon control headquarters, as of noon, a total of 574,511 residents had been relocated, including 407,064 people in Zhanjiang. 84,873 fishing boats have sought shelter in harbors.

As of 2:30 p.m., 72 of the province's 94 waterway passenger routes had been suspended. Around 140 pairs of high-speed railway trains were suspended. Schools in 10 cities have also been temporarily closed.

(Cover: Fallen trees in Qionghai City, Hainan Province, south China, September 6, 2024. /CFP)