Southern China is reeling from the devastating impact of Typhoon Matmo, which made landfall with brutal force along the coast of Guangdong province. The powerful storm has unleashed torrential rains and destructive winds, creating chaos across one of China's most populous regions.
Widespread Damage and Power Outages
Authorities reported that approximately 1.7 million households lost electricity as Matmo's fierce winds toppled power lines and infrastructure. Emergency services worked through treacherous conditions to restore essential services, but many areas remain cut off from the grid.
The storm's intensity prompted the Hong Kong Observatory to issue its second-highest warning level, the No 9 typhoon signal, marking one of the most severe weather events to hit the region this year.
Mass Evacuations and Flooding Crisis
Local governments initiated emergency protocols, evacuating nearly 400,000 residents from high-risk coastal areas and low-lying regions prone to flooding. State media footage showed rescue teams navigating submerged streets in rubber boats, pulling residents from flooded homes.
Major transportation networks ground to a halt as the typhoon battered the region. Dozens of flights were cancelled at major airports, while high-speed rail services and ferry operations were suspended indefinitely.
Agricultural and Economic Impact
The storm's timing couldn't be worse for local farmers, with Matmo destroying vast swathes of agricultural land just before harvest season. Early estimates suggest significant damage to rice paddies and fruit orchards that form the backbone of the regional economy.
Meteorologists warn that the severe weather pattern affecting southern China may continue, with another tropical system developing in the South China Sea that could follow a similar path in the coming days.
