Tropical Storm Tapah Makes Landfall in Southern China, Triggers Evacuations and Widespread Disruptions
Authorities in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao suspend services and evacuate tens of thousands as Tapah moves inland toward Guangxi
HONG KONG — Tropical Storm Tapah made landfall Monday along the coast of Taishan city in Guangdong province, prompting the evacuation of roughly 60,000 people, the closure of schools and the suspension of transport services across southern China.
State media and official agencies reported that Tapah struck the Guangdong coast at about 8:50 a.m. local time with maximum sustained winds near its center reaching 30 meters (98 feet) per second. The Hong Kong Observatory raised its No. 8 storm signal Sunday night — the third-highest in the city’s warning system — and said Tapah was producing maximum sustained winds near the center of about 68 miles (110 kilometers) per hour at 9 a.m. The observatory later lowered the signal Monday afternoon as conditions eased.
Authorities in Guangdong halted some train and ferry services ahead of the storm, closed dozens of scenic areas and ordered evacuations across the economic hub. State broadcaster CCTV said about 60,000 people had been moved out of vulnerable areas by Sunday afternoon. After crossing Guangdong, Tapah moved northwest toward Wuzhou city in the Guangxi region, CCTV reported.
Flights were disrupted in the region, with Hong Kong International Airport canceling about 100 departures and arrivals. Some travelers waited for hours for travel information; a number slept on chairs at the airport. A runway was closed after an HK Express plane arriving from Beijing veered onto grass during landing. Police said smoke was seen coming from the plane’s landing gear at one point and that there were no reported injuries; investigators had not determined whether the incident was related to weather.
Local governments reported dozens of incidents associated with the storm in Hong Kong, including more than 160 reports of toppled trees and three cases of flooding. Twelve people were treated for injuries and sent to hospitals, authorities said. Hundreds of residents sought refuge in temporary evacuation centers, and court hearings were suspended. In Macao, broadcasters reported minor flooding in some areas.
Emergency responders and municipal agencies worked through the morning and afternoon to clear debris and respond to localized flooding and power outages. Officials in affected municipalities urged residents to stay indoors and avoid travel until authorities issued all-clear notices.
Southern China typically faces several tropical storms and typhoons during the late summer and early autumn months. Local weather services and state media emphasized preparedness steps in the run-up to Tapah’s landfall, announcing closures of schools and tourist sites and advising on transport suspensions to reduce risks to life and property.
As Tapah continued inland, meteorological agencies monitored its weakening over land and potential for heavy rainfall and river flooding in downstream provinces. Authorities in Guangxi and neighboring regions were put on alert for flash flooding, landslides and other hazards associated with sustained heavy rain.
The storm’s impact on transport, tourism and local services was unfolding Monday as officials assessed damage and coordinated relief. State outlets reported that municipal teams would conduct post-storm inspections and repairs, and that local governments would provide assistance to affected households.