Flights, train services disrupted as typhoon hits Hainan Island

Typhoon Nangka, the first typhoon to hit Hainan this year, has forced the cancellation of 191 flights and ferry and rail services, as well as the closure of scenic spots on the island province.

Nangka, the 16th typhoon of the year, landed in the coastal area between Wanning and Qionghai in eastern Hainan Island at around 7:20 pm on Tuesday with winds as strong as 100 kilometers per hour. It was expected to cross the island and pass through Beibu Gulf to the northern coast of Vietnam, according to the Hainan Meteorological Service.

It said Nangka, together with cold air, is expected to bring between 40 and 100 millimeters of rain to the northeast and the eastern coast of Hainan Island through Wednesday. At the same time, the eastern side of the Leizhou Peninsula, which juts south from Guangdong province, as well as the eastern and southern sea areas of the island will see waves as high as 5.5 meters.