China has evacuated over 150,000 people from coastal areas in Guangdong and Hainan as Typhoon Matmo, the 21st typhoon of 2025, made landfall on Sunday, bringing powerful winds and torrential rains.
According to the National Meteorological Centre (NMC), the typhoon intensified into a severe system before striking the coast between Wuchuan in Guangdong and Wenchang in Hainan around midday. Moving northwest at 25 km/h (15 mph), the storm carried maximum sustained winds of 151 km/h (94 mph), prompting a red alert, China’s highest warning level.
Mass Evacuations and Emergency Response
In Guangdong, 151,352 residents were relocated from high-risk and coastal zones, including nearly 10,000 from maritime areas. More than 10,000 emergency and rescue personnel were deployed to assist local authorities. Provincial deputy party secretary Meng Fanli urged officials to prioritize “no casualties and minimal losses” during the National Day and Mid-Autumn holidays, when travel is typically heavy.
The port city of Zhanjiang implemented a full shutdown of schools, businesses, public services, and highways. In Hainan, including Haikou and Wenchang, schools, workplaces, ferry routes, and tourist spots were temporarily closed. All train services on Hainan Island were suspended, with high-speed rail expected to resume Monday. Flights at Haikou Meilan International Airport were cancelled from Saturday evening, with gradual resumption planned.
Impact on Hong Kong
More than 100 flights were expected to be affected in Hong Kong on Sunday, with up to 27 cancellations forecast. The Hong Kong Observatory reported that the storm was weakening and moving further away, planning to lower its No. 3 Strong Wind Signal to No. 1 Standby Signal once conditions improve.
Authorities warned that outer rainbands could still bring strong winds, occasional gales, squally showers, thunderstorms, and intense gusts, urging the public to avoid water sports and coastal activities.
