Bangkok [Thailand], July 21: After making two landfalls in Guangdong Province (China), Typhoon Wipha ( Typhoon No. 3 ) continues to move west-southwest, causing heavy rain and "unprecedented" traffic impacts in southern China, while Thailand is actively preparing response measures.
The first landfall took place at around 5:50 p.m. on July 20 in Haiyan Town (Jiangmen City) with winds near the center of the storm reaching 118.8 km/h. At around 8:15 p.m. the same day, the storm continued to make a second landfall near Hailing Island (Yangjiang City) with winds of 90 km/h.
According to China Daily , Typhoon Wipha caused damage in major cities along the Pearl River and the coast of Guangdong province, forcing the evacuation of about 670,000 people.
Severe storms and strong winds have paralyzed traffic in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai and other major cities in Guangdong Province. Airports in Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Hong Kong have seen widespread flight cancellations and delays since the afternoon of July 19.
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Bridge, two major transportation routes across the Pearl River estuary connecting eastern urban clusters with western regions of Guangdong Province, were temporarily closed on the morning of July 20 to ensure the safety of the two transportation routes.
Railway authorities have also suspended intercity train services between Guangzhou and Shenzhen, as well as between Guangzhou and Zhuhai. The Huangmaohai Sea Bridge in Jiangmen was also temporarily closed on July 20. Typhoon Wipha has caused unprecedented disruptions to transportation in southern China, according to CGTN on July 21.
In Hong Kong, health authorities said 33 people with storm-related injuries were being treated, while 277 people sought shelter at 34 locations across the city. More than 700 cases of fallen trees were reported as of 8 p.m. on July 20.
As the storm continues to move west-southwest, many cities in southern China are stepping up measures to deal with the risk of damage from landslides and floods.
In Thailand, according to the Bangkok Post , a "war room" was activated to monitor the weather online and coordinate responses to Typhoon Wipha.
The move comes after the Thai Meteorological Department (TDM) warned of upcoming heavy rains in some northern provinces and forecasted that Typhoon Wipha would make landfall in northern Vietnam on July 21 and 22.
Thai Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, acting national commander for disaster prevention and mitigation, said heavy rains are forecast in northern and northeastern Thailand from July 22-23, which could raise the water level of the Mekong River.
A trough of low pressure, combined with moist air from the Andaman Sea, is also expected to bring widespread rain. Mr Phumtham has directed the Home Ministry to monitor the weather situation, assess the risks and ensure public communication to prevent misinformation.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
