Did Typhoon Mitag Hit South China's Guangdong?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Typhoon Mitag made landfall in Guangdong at 2:50 PM on September 19.
- Maximum wind speeds reached 25 m/s near the center of the storm.
- The storm is expected to weaken as it moves inland.
- Emergency responses have been initiated across affected provinces.
- Torrential rains and potential flooding are forecasted in surrounding areas.
Guangzhou, Sep 19 (NationPress) The 17th typhoon of the year, Mitag, made its dramatic landfall in Guangdong Province of south China around 2:50 PM on Friday, as reported by the provincial meteorological observatory.
This powerful storm, boasting maximum wind speeds of 25 metres per second near its eye, struck the coast at Shanwei City.
Meteorological officials predict that Mitag will drift northwest at a pace of 10 to 15 kilometres per hour, gradually losing strength as it penetrates inland, according to Xinhua news agency.
On September 18, the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters of China had initiated a Level-IV emergency response for the affected areas in Guangdong Province.
Forecasts indicated that Mitag would make landfall between Huilai and Taishan on the Guangdong coast from Friday afternoon into the evening, unleashing strong winds and heavy rains across much of the province.
As a result, torrential rainfall is anticipated in parts of Guangdong and Fujian Province from Friday through Sunday, as per the National Meteorological Centre.
Additionally, heavy rain or rainstorms are predicted for certain regions in Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangxi, and Hainan during the same timeframe.
The national observatory has urged local governments to enact emergency protocols in anticipation of the typhoon's impact, including potential flooding and geological hazards from the heavy downpours.
China employs a four-tier emergency response framework, with Level I being the most critical.
Earlier on September 8, Tapah, the 16th typhoon of the year, had made landfall in Guangdong, resulting in school closures and the evacuation of tens of thousands.
That storm recorded winds reaching 30 metres per second near its center and made landfall in Taishan, a city in Jiangmen.
Approximately 120,000 students had classes suspended across 182 schools and kindergartens in Taishan, while over 41,000 residents from Jiangmen were relocated to safer zones.