What Precautionary Measures Is China Taking Against Typhoon Tapah?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Level-IV emergency response activated by the Ministry of Transport.
- Significant evacuations underway in affected regions.
- Travel advisories issued for potential landslide risks.
- Emergency shelters opened for local residents.
- Continued monitoring of Tapah's trajectory and impacts.
Beijing, Sep 8 (NationPress) On Monday, the Ministry of Transport implemented a Level-IV emergency protocol in response to Typhoon Tapah and a Level-III protocol for the significant rainfall it triggered.
Tapah, marking the 16th typhoon of this year, struck the shores of Taishan City in south China's Guangdong Province on Monday morning, unleashing powerful winds and heavy rainfall across Guangdong and Guangxi. Severe downpours also affected areas in Jiangsu, Anhui, Hubei, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, and Hunan.
The ministry has urged local authorities in impacted areas to treat the effects of the typhoon with extreme caution and to implement thorough plans to ensure that vessels remain securely anchored and that all personnel and equipment are adequately safeguarded.
A travel advisory has also been issued, warning travelers on mountain routes to remain vigilant for potential landslides or falling rocks during heavy rain and to evacuate quickly at the first sign of danger, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
China's emergency response framework includes a four-tier system, with Level I representing the most critical response.
Approximately 120,000 students across 182 schools and kindergartens in Taishan have had classes suspended, while more than 41,000 individuals in Jiangmen have been relocated to safer areas.
The maritime bureau in Jiangmen reported that 43 volunteer sea rescue teams and 30 vessels have been pre-deployed to tackle any emergencies. Over 3,300 emergency personnel are currently on standby in Taishan.
In the adjacent Yangjiang City, officials opened emergency shelters for residents on Monday.
As a result of the typhoon, various parts of Guangdong experienced heavy rain and fierce winds on Monday. Meteorologists predict that Tapah will continue to advance northwest at around 20 km per hour while gradually weakening.
Earlier, the Hong Kong Observatory announced that it would maintain its No. 8 Southeast Gale or Storm Signal until at least 1 p.m. on Monday due to Typhoon Tapah.
The observatory first issued the No. 8 signal, the third-highest warning in Hong Kong's five-tier typhoon alert system, on Sunday evening.
The Airport Authority Hong Kong anticipates the cancellation of approximately 100 flights on Monday. Amusement parks and medical clinics are also closed due to Tapah's influence.
The government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has taken precautions, such as preparing flood barriers and having emergency response teams on standby.
The observatory indicated that Tapah is moving inland after making landfall in Guangdong Province and is now farther from Hong Kong. While wind speeds are expected to decrease gradually, Hong Kong residents should still brace for rainstorms and large waves on Monday.