Typhoon Yagi prompts proactive emergency measures in Hainan

Typhoon Yagi is expected to hit the eastern shores of South China's Hainan province or the southwestern coast of Guangdong province on Friday. Meteorologists predict peak wind speeds ranging from levels 15 to 17.

Yagi is the 11th typhoon to hit the country this year. As of Wednesday morning, it had entered the eastern part of the South China Sea and was steadily advancing toward the east coast of Hainan Island.

Floods and landslides caused by tropical storm Yagi have killed 12 people in the Philippines, the country's Office of Civil Defense announced on Tuesday.

The Hainan Provincial Commission for Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief has initiated a Level III emergency response for flood and typhoon prevention at 6:30 am on Wednesday. Cities and counties on the trajectory of Typhoon Yagi are preparing for heavy rainfall and impending landfall, with expected rainfall totals ranging from 250 to 350 millimeters. Some areas may experience rainfall exceeding 400 mm from Thursday night through Saturday daytime.

On Tuesday, the Hainan Maritime Safety Administration urged over 2,200 transport vessels within its jurisdiction to implement typhoon prevention measures by returning to port and seeking safe harbor. All shipping routes are slated to halt operations by 6 pm on Wednesday, and other underwater and wind power projects must cease work by noon on the same day.

Haikou's Xinhai Port suspended operations starting Wednesday, and Xiuying Port and South Railway Port are set to do the same on Thursday. The decision to resume port activities will depend on the prevailing wind conditions in the Qiongzhou Strait.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Hainan Province and the provincial meteorological bureau issued a high-risk warning for heavy rain-induced hazards for late-season rice crops. The forthcoming typhoon's intense precipitation is expected to pose a high risk to late-season rice crops in Qionghai, Wanning, Wenchang, Haikou and Ding'an. Farmers are advised to take prompt action to minimize the negative impacts of the typhoon-induced heavy rainfall.

Hainan experienced a typhoon-free August this year, resulting in a decrease in precipitation. Authorities reported a monthly rainfall of only 142.3 mm, indicating a 53.2 percent reduction compared to last year.

The island also had an average temperature of 29 C, 1.3 C higher than the typical annual average, which has led to meteorological drought conditions in various regions.

Meteorological experts predict that from Sept 1 to Nov 15, Hainan province may experience five tropical cyclones, possibly one to two of them making landfall. This could result in a heightened risk of severe tropical cyclone-related disasters compared to the region's usual experience during this period.