Southern China is bracing for impact as Typhoon Matmo barrels toward Hainan and Guangdong provinces, prompting authorities to activate a Level-IV emergency response. The 21st named storm of the 2025 Pacific typhoon season could disrupt travel plans for millions during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. 🚨
Storm Track & Risks
Matmo is expected to make landfall Sunday between western Guangdong and eastern Hainan with winds up to 48 meters per second – equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane. Coastal areas could face severe flooding, while mountain regions may experience landslides. 🌊⛰️
Travel Chaos Ahead
Key transportation routes face shutdowns from Saturday night through Sunday, including Qiongzhou Strait ferries and high-speed rail lines. Hainan officials urge tourists to avoid coastal activities, with normal services expected to resume Monday. ✈️🚄
Preparations in Overdrive
Guangdong has deployed teams to reinforce flood defenses and relocate residents in vulnerable zones. Meteorologists are issuing hourly updates as the storm approaches. 💻📱 "Safety first – we’re treating this like a viral trend that needs immediate action," said a Guangdong emergency coordinator.
Reference(s):
South China provinces activate Level-IV emergency typhoon response
cgtn.com