Typhoon Matmo slammed into the southern coast of China, unleashing powerful winds and torrential rains that have prompted mass evacuations and triggered a significant emergency response. Authorities have relocated tens of thousands of residents from high-risk areas in an effort to prevent casualties from what is being described as a severe tropical storm.
The typhoon made landfall in the densely populated and economically vital Guangdong province, a region frequently in the path of Pacific storms. According to the China Meteorological Administration, the storm brought sustained winds of up to 125 kilometers per hour (78 mph), with gusts reaching even higher. The heavy rainfall associated with Matmo raises serious concerns of widespread flooding and landslides in the region’s mountainous areas.
Ahead of the storm’s arrival, emergency protocols were activated. Local governments coordinated the large-scale evacuation of residents from low-lying coastal communities and areas prone to flooding. State media has shown images of emergency workers helping citizens to shelters, while fishermen have been urged to return to port and shipping has been largely suspended.
The full extent of the damage is still being assessed as the storm moves inland and weakens. Initial reports indicate downed trees, power outages in several communities, and disruptions to travel, with numerous flights and train services canceled. The focus for now remains on ensuring public safety, with search and rescue teams on standby to respond to emergencies.
As Typhoon Matmo continues to move westward, it is expected to weaken into a tropical depression, but not before dumping significant rainfall across southern China. We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available from official sources and on-the-ground reports.
