Tropical Storm Tapah Hits Southern China Causing Evacuations

Post by : Mumtaaz Qadiri

Tropical Storm Tapah hit southern China on Monday, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. The storm affected Guangdong province near Hong Kong, an important economic hub. Schools were closed, flights were canceled, and tens of thousands of people were evacuated to safer areas. The storm caused significant disruptions to daily life and travel in the region.

Evacuations Across Guangdong

By Sunday afternoon, about 60,000 people were evacuated from vulnerable areas across Guangdong province. Government authorities organized shelters and moved residents from coastal and low-lying regions to prevent casualties. Scenic areas and tourist spots were closed as a precaution, and train and ferry services were temporarily halted to ensure public safety.

Impact On Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s observatory raised its No. 8 storm signal on Sunday night, which is the third-highest in the city’s weather warning system. The storm brought maximum sustained winds near the center of 68 miles per hour (110 kilometers per hour) at 9 a.m. on Monday. Residents were advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

Flight Disruptions And Airport Challenges

The storm caused about 100 flight cancellations in Hong Kong, affecting both domestic and international travelers. Some passengers had to wait overnight at the airport, sleeping on chairs while waiting for updates. A runway incident occurred when an HK Express plane from Beijing hit the grass during landing. Smoke was seen from the landing gear, but no injuries were reported. Authorities are investigating whether the incident was related to the storm.

Injuries And Damage Reports

Twelve people were injured during the storm and received medical treatment in hospitals. The government received over 160 reports of fallen trees and three cases of flooding in Hong Kong. Hundreds of residents sought refuge in temporary shelters. Court hearings were also suspended to ensure public safety during the storm.

Flooding In Macao

In Macao, minor flooding was reported in several areas due to heavy rainfall. Authorities monitored rivers and drainage systems to prevent major damage. Residents in low-lying areas were advised to stay alert and move to safer locations if needed. TVB, a Hong Kong-based broadcaster, reported that the flooding caused minor inconveniences but no major casualties.

Government Precautions And Emergency Measures

Local authorities in Guangdong and Hong Kong implemented emergency measures before the storm hit. Schools, offices, and public services were closed. Transport services, including trains, buses, and ferries, were stopped to prevent accidents. The government activated disaster management teams to assist in evacuation, relief, and emergency response.

Public Response And Awareness

People were urged to follow safety instructions issued by authorities. Many residents moved to higher ground and temporary shelters. Community centers and government facilities served as emergency shelters, providing food, water, and basic medical care. Public announcements and media updates helped residents stay informed about the storm’s path and safety measures.

Economic Impact Of The Storm

Guangdong province, an economic hub near Hong Kong, experienced significant disruptions. Businesses temporarily closed, and transport delays affected trade and logistics. Airports faced cancellations, and shipping services were delayed. The storm highlighted the vulnerability of densely populated and economically active regions to severe weather events, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and infrastructure resilience.

Weather Conditions During Tapah

Tropical Storm Tapah brought extreme weather conditions, including strong winds reaching 30 meters per second (98 feet per second) and heavy rainfall across the region. The storm caused rivers and drainage systems to overflow, increasing the risk of flooding in coastal and urban areas. Meteorologists warned of continued heavy rain and strong winds as Tapah moved inland.

Rescue And Relief Efforts

Rescue teams worked overnight to ensure the safety of residents in flood-prone areas. Boats, emergency vehicles, and volunteers were deployed to evacuate stranded people. Authorities monitored water levels in rivers and drainage channels and provided timely assistance to affected communities. Emergency shelters offered temporary housing, food, and water to displaced families.

Transportation Disruptions

Train, ferry, and road services were suspended in many areas to prevent accidents caused by high winds and flooded roads. Passengers were advised to postpone travel and follow instructions from transport authorities. Airlines faced flight cancellations and delays, affecting both business and leisure travelers. Road closures and traffic diversions were implemented in areas at high risk of flooding.

Safety Measures In Education And Public Facilities

Schools and universities in affected areas were closed to ensure the safety of students and staff. Public offices and government institutions also suspended services temporarily. Emergency response teams coordinated with school authorities to monitor conditions and ensure safe evacuation where necessary.

Community Preparedness And Awareness Campaigns

Authorities and local media emphasized the importance of community preparedness. Residents were informed about emergency shelters, evacuation routes, and safety measures. Volunteers played an essential role in helping vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and children, move to safer areas. Awareness campaigns and public instructions helped minimize casualties and property damage.

Monitoring And Forecasting Tapah

Meteorological agencies closely monitored Tropical Storm Tapah’s path and intensity. Forecasts indicated potential heavy rainfall and strong winds for the following days. Continuous weather updates were provided to authorities and the public to prepare for the storm’s impact. Drones and observation tools helped track flooded areas and direct rescue operations efficiently.

Ongoing Challenges And Precautions

Tropical Storm Tapah caused widespread evacuations, flight disruptions, school closures, and minor flooding across southern China. Authorities, volunteers, and emergency services continue to monitor the situation and provide assistance. Residents are advised to follow safety guidelines, stay indoors, and seek help from emergency shelters as needed. The storm highlights the importance of disaster preparedness and community coordination in mitigating the impact of severe weather events.

China storm impact, Guangdong heavy rain, Tapah evacuation efforts