Title: Hong Kong Braces for Typhoon Talim as Schools and Stock Market Shut Down
Hong Kong and neighboring regions are on high alert as Typhoon Talim approaches, prompting the closure of schools and the stock market. As the powerful typhoon advances towards the Chinese mainland and Hainan Island, safety alerts have been issued to residents and tourists, urging them to seek refuge and stay away from potentially hazardous areas susceptible to flooding and landslides.
State broadcaster CCTV captured sweeping winds and violent waves from the typhoon striking an oil rig located approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) offshore. In response to the impending danger, over 9,800 workers were promptly evacuated from these facilities.
Meanwhile, in Macau, located across the Pearl River estuary from Hong Kong, schools have suspended classes and public transport has been shut down as a precautionary measure.
Furthermore, the destructive force of Typhoon Talim is evident in Fuzhou city, located in northern Fujian province, where heavy rains have led to high water levels and subsequent flooding. Approximately 1,000 villagers have been affected, with more than 50 individuals requiring evacuation.
As the typhoon looms over Hong Kong, more than 100 people have sought shelter in temporary facilities. The impact of Typhoon Talim has already disrupted several government and ferry services, resulting in the postponement of various events. Moreover, 16 flights have been canceled by the city’s airport authority.
The Hong Kong Observatory has issued a Typhoon No. 8 signal, marking the third-highest warning level in the city’s weather system. This is the first time such a warning has been issued this year. However, as Typhoon Talim gradually moves away from Hong Kong during the afternoon, the observatory has reduced the warning level.
The National Meteorological Administration of China predicts that the typhoon will make landfall in Guangdong and Hainan provinces on Monday evening. It is then projected to enter the Gulf of Tonkin before hitting land again in the Guangxi region on Tuesday. The intensity of the typhoon is expected to weaken in Vietnam on Wednesday.
In response to the current situation in Hong Kong, the government reported 32 fallen trees and two incidents of flooding. The public has been advised to stay away from the coastline to ensure their safety, as roads and infrastructure may be compromised.
Although typhoons are a regular occurrence in East Asia, this year has been marked by unusually high temperatures across large parts of China, South Korea, and Japan. Heatstroke cases have led to hospitalizations and fatalities, while intermittent extreme heat and flooding have claimed numerous lives.
The Meteorological Administration highlighted that Turpan, an oasis town in the arid northwest region of Xinjiang, registered a record-breaking temperature of 52.2 degrees Celsius (125.9 degrees Fahrenheit) on Sunday. Consequently, schools and offices in the area have been closed, and transportation and agriculture, particularly the renowned vineyards, have been severely impacted.
As the situation unfolds, it is essential for residents and authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to mitigate the potential effects of Typhoon Talim. Employing safety measures and staying informed will undoubtedly contribute to reducing the risks posed by the powerful storm.
