Super Typhoon Yagi, with winds of 234 km/h, has hit the Chinese island of Hainan, forcing the evacuation of 420,000 people. Hong Kong and Vietnam are also in the path of the storm.
Super Typhoon Yagi, with winds exceeding 230 km/h, hit the Chinese island of Hainan on Friday, September 6, 2024, where nearly 420,000 people had been evacuated as a precaution, reports state media.
Gusts of 234 km/h
Yagi could be the strongest storm to hit southern China in a decade. It is also heading toward neighboring Vietnam. The typhoon made landfall near Wenchang in northeastern Hainan at around 4:20 p.m. (0820 GMT), according to the Xinhua news agency.
With gusts reaching 234 km/h, the storm brought heavy rain, raising concerns about potential damage in the popular tourist region, known for its sandy beaches and luxury hotels.
In anticipation of the disaster, 419,367 residents were evacuated and restrictions on motoring and the closure of tourist sites were put in place. In response to the danger, China’s Ministry of Water Resources activated a high-level emergency response in Hainan and neighboring Guangdong province.
Military and fishing boats
Hong Kong also felt the effects of the storm, with heavy rains closing the stock exchange and schools, and minor injuries to three people. Local authorities reported limited damage, however.
Finally, Vietnam is preparing in turn, with evacuations in the northern provinces, notably around Halong Bay. “It will be the most powerful typhoon” to strike North Vietnam “for 20 years”said Pham Duc Luan, head of infrastructure. Military personnel and fishing boats have been mobilized to deal with the threat.
Find this article on sciencesetavenir.fr
