Typhoon Matmo Prompts Emergency Measures in Southern China
GUANGZHOU, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) – Coastal provinces in southern China,Guangdong and Hainan,are bracing for the arrival of typhoon Matmo,the 21st named storm of the 2025 Pacific typhoon season. Authorities in both regions have elevated their emergency response levels as the intensifying storm tracks towards the coastline.
Guangdong province has raised its emergency response to Level II, the second-highest in the nation’s four-tiered system, effective 9:00 AM today. This escalation comes as forecasts predict significant rainfall and powerful winds within the next 48 hours. As of 9:00 AM,the National Meteorological Center reported Matmo situated approximately 670 kilometers southeast of Xuwen County,Guangdong,with sustained winds reaching 33 meters per second at its center.
Matmo continues to gain strength while moving in a northwest direction at roughly 25 kilometers per hour. Current projections indicate the typhoon, or perhaps a severe typhoon, will make landfall Sunday morning along a coastal stretch between Dianbai in Guangdong and Wanning in Hainan.
In readiness,Guangdong officials have ordered all fishing vessels in affected waters to return to port for safety. Coastal cities are actively implementing preventative measures to mitigate the risk of flooding, flash floods, and landslides. Local authorities are prioritizing enhanced weather forecasting, timely public warnings, emergency response protocols, and the relocation of residents from vulnerable areas.
Hainan province has also taken action, upgrading its emergency response for marine vessels and operations to Level III at 8:30 AM Saturday.The provincial capital,Haikou,is preparing for significant disruption,announcing plans to suspend all classes (including after-school tutoring),work,public transportation,and operations at parks and businesses beginning saturday afternoon and continuing through Sunday. Haikou Meilan International Airport is scheduled to cancel all incoming and outgoing flights starting at 11:00 PM Saturday.
China’s emergency response system operates on a four-tier scale, with Level I representing the most critical and severe situation.
