Super Typhoon Yagi Batters Southern China: Schools, Flights Halted

Super Typhoon Yagi hit southern China with powerful gales and heavy rain, leading to closed schools and canceled flights. Packing maximum sustained winds of 245 km/h, it is the world's second most powerful tropical cyclone in 2024. The storm continues its path towards Vietnam and Laos after ravaging the northern Philippines.

Powerful gales and heavy rain from Super Typhoon Yagi drenched southern China on Friday, shutting schools for a second day and canceling flights as one of the year's strongest storms approached Hainan's tropical coast. With maximum sustained winds of 245 km per hour near its eye, Yagi stands as 2024's second-most powerful tropical cyclone.

After devastating the northern Philippines earlier this week, Yagi, which has more than doubled in strength, is expected to make landfall on China's coast, from Wenchang on Hainan to Leizhou in Guangdong province. Following this, it is predicted to hit Vietnam and Laos. Overnight, the region experienced severe thunder and lightning, further disrupting daily life.

Transport links across southern China were mostly shut on Friday, with many flights canceled in Hainan, Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau. The main bridge connecting Hong Kong with Macau and Zhuhai in Guangdong was also closed. The Hong Kong stock exchange and schools remained closed, with the typhoon 8 signal—the third highest—expected to lower by 12:40 PM as Yagi moves away.

China's government has sent task forces to Guangdong and Hainan to guide flood and typhoon prevention. High-risk warnings for geological disasters were issued for northern Shanxi, southern Guangdong, and most areas of Hainan island. Streets in Haikou, the capital of Hainan, were deserted as residents stayed indoors.

Yagi is the most severe storm to hit Hainan since 2014 when Typhoon Rammasun, also a Category Five storm, caused significant destruction and economic losses of over $6.25 billion. Scientists warn that typhoons are growing stronger due to warmer oceans and climate change. Yagi, which means goat in Japanese, mirrors the path of Typhoon Rammasun as it continues its trajectory toward China.

(With inputs from agencies.)