Typhoon Matmo's Impact and Precautions
Typhoon Matmo made landfall in China, affecting the southern provinces of Guangdong and Hainan, which prompted significant evacuations and precautionary measures.
Evacuations and Preparations
- The Chinese government evacuated approximately 347,000 people from the provinces of Guangdong and Hainan.
- Hainan proactively evacuated 197,856 people ahead of the storm.
- In southwestern Guangdong, 151,000 people were evacuated due to the typhoon's direct impact.
- Flights, public transport, and businesses in Hainan were shut down starting Saturday to prepare for the storm.
Weather Warnings and Conditions
- The storm had maximum sustained wind speeds of 151 kph (94 mph).
- A red-level typhoon warning was issued, indicating the highest alert level.
- Rainfall in parts of Guangdong and Hainan expected to reach 100 to 249 mm (3.93 to 9.8 inches).
- Footage showed large waves causing seawater to wash onto roads in coastal villages of Guangdong's Zhanjiang.
Impact in Other Regions
- Macau, although not directly in the storm's path, canceled classes and tutoring sessions due to adverse weather conditions.
- Earlier, Typhoon Matmo passed through the Philippines with no casualties or major damage reported, affecting over 220,000 people in northern agricultural and mountainous areas.
- Nearly 35,000 people in the Philippines sought emergency shelters or stayed with relatives in safer locations.
Future Trajectory
- The storm is expected to move westward and north, heading towards northern Vietnam and China's Yunnan province.
