Shaun
Tens of thousands of people were evacuated, schools closed and transport services disrupted as tropical storm Tapah made landfall in southern China on Monday, authorities. According to state broadcaster CCTV, about 60,000 people were evacuated across Guangdong province by Sunday afternoon, while dozens of tourist sites were temporarily shut down.
The storm came ashore near Taishan city at around 8:50 am local time with maximum sustained winds near its centre reaching 30 metres per second, CCTV reported.
The economic hub of Guangdong, close to Hong Kong, also halted some train and ferry services in advance of the storm, China’s Xinhua news agency said.
Hong Kong braces for impact
The Hong Kong Observatory issued its No. 8 storm signal, the city’s third-highest warning, on Sunday night as Tapah closed in, according to China Daily. By Monday morning, day schools were shut and ferry services and some bus routes were suspended or adjusted. While no major flooding or landslides were reported, heavy showers and squalls lashed the city.
Stranded passengers were seen resting on chairs at the city’s airport, waiting for updates. In one incident, an HK Express flight arriving from Beijing veered onto grass during landing. Police said smoke was briefly observed from its landing gear, though no injuries were reported and it remained unclear if weather was a factor.
Damage and injuries reported
Authorities said at least twelve people were injured in the storm in Hong Kong and taken to hospital for treatment.
The government received more than 160 reports of fallen trees and three flooding cases, while several hundred people sought refuge in temporary shelters. Court hearings were also suspended due to the weather.
