Typhoon Yagi forces 400,000 evacuations in China
A massive evacuation has occurred on Hainan Island in China due to the approaching Typhoon Yagi. Approximately 400,000 people have been evacuated as the wind speeds could reach up to 250 km/h. Some experts believe Yagi might be the most powerful hurricane worldwide in 2024, surpassing Beryl, which struck the Caribbean islands in July.
Initially, Typhoon Yagi was classified as a tropical storm. However, its passage caused catastrophic damage. In the Philippines, 13 people lost their lives due to the storm, and significant material losses were reported.
This was not the end, as Yagi evolved into a super typhoon. In China, anxiety is mounting over the arrival of this formidable cyclone, making special measures, including evacuation, essential.
Yagi approaches China. Evacuation on the island
According to the Xinhua news agency, Typhoon Yagi is expected to reach Hainan Island and Guangdong province by Friday evening Eastern Time. Authorities have declared the third-highest flood alert level. On Hainan Island, hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated.
Due to the approaching super typhoon Yagi by 11:30 PM Eastern Time, the Hainan province in southern China had evacuated 419,367 residents - reported the Chinese agency.
This is not the only action taken in response to the impending disaster. Authorities decided to suspend flights, close schools, and halt stock market trading. Additionally, residents were urged to exercise exceptional caution. Nearly half a million soldiers were put on high alert.
Typhoon Yagi - the most powerful in years
According to some media, Typhoon Yagi is the most powerful storm to hit China in 10 years. The wind speeds can reach up to 250 km/h. Some believe that Yagi will even surpass Hurricane Beryl, which devastated the Caribbean islands at the beginning of July this year when wind speeds reached 265 km/h.
After the hurricane hits the Chinese coast, it is expected to head towards Vietnam and the popular Ha Long Bay, which is on the UNESCO list. Authorities have already made initial decisions to close airports in the region. The first recordings showing the situation on Hainan Island are already appearing online.
Typhoons during this time of year are not unusual. They most often appear in August or September. The largest typhoon in history struck the Pacific in 1979. Tip had a diameter of 2,200 km. It caused the death of 86 people on the Japanese island of Honshu.
