Typhoon Tapah Hits China’s Guangdong: Schools Shut, Thousands Evacuated Amid Strong Winds and Heavy Rain
Typhoon Tapah, the 16th storm of the year, slammed into south China’s Guangdong Province on Monday morning, bringing fierce winds and forcing major disruptions. This powerful typhoon made landfall in Taishan, a city in Jiangmen, around 8:50 a.m., with winds blasting up to 30 meters per second near its center, according to the provincial meteorological observatory.
In Taishan alone, authorities suspended classes for about 120,000 students across 182 schools and kindergartens to keep everyone safe. They also evacuated more than 41,000 people from Jiangmen to secure spots away from the storm’s path. Officials in the area geared up early—Jiangmen’s maritime bureau sent out 43 volunteer sea rescue teams and 30 vessels for any emergencies. Plus, over 3,300 emergency workers stand ready in Taishan to tackle issues as they arise.
The typhoon’s impact didn’t stop at Taishan. In nearby Yangjiang City, local teams opened emergency shelters for residents seeking protection from the bad weather. Parts of Guangdong faced heavy rain and gusty winds all Monday, making travel tricky and raising flood risks.
Meteorological experts predict Typhoon Tapah will keep heading northwest at about 20 km per hour and slowly lose strength as it moves inland, as reported by Xinhua news agency. But for now, the storm continues to stir up trouble across the region.
Hong Kong Braces for Typhoon Tapah’s Aftermath with Flight Cancellations and Closures
Across the border in Hong Kong, the storm triggered high alerts too. The Hong Kong Observatory kept its No. 8 Southeast Gale or Storm Signal active until at least 1 p.m. Monday—the third-highest level in their five-tier typhoon warning system. They first raised this signal on Sunday evening as Tapah approached.
This led to real headaches for travelers: Airport Authority Hong Kong expects around 100 flights to get canceled on Monday. Popular spots like amusement parks shut down, and many clinics closed their doors to avoid risks during the typhoon.
The Hong Kong government stepped up preparations, setting up flood barriers and keeping emergency response teams on high alert. Even as Typhoon Tapah moves deeper into Guangdong and farther from Hong Kong, winds should ease gradually. Still, locals need to watch out for ongoing rainstorms and massive waves crashing in on Monday.
As Typhoon Tapah weakens, authorities in both Guangdong and Hong Kong urge people to stay updated on weather alerts and follow safety guidelines. This storm highlights how quickly tropical cyclones can disrupt daily life in the region—stay safe out there!
