Tropical Storm Tapah Strikes Southern China, Causes Disruption

Hong Kong, Sep 8 (AP) Schools were shut down, flights faced disruptions, and tens of thousands were evacuated in southern China as Tropical Storm Tapah made its landfall on Monday.

The economic powerhouse of Guangdong province, near Hong Kong, suspended certain train and ferry services ahead of the storm, according to the official Xinhua news agency. The state broadcaster CCTV reported that dozens of scenic areas were closed and about 60,000 people across the region were evacuated by Sunday afternoon.

CCTV indicated that the storm made landfall around the coastal area of Taishan city in Guangdong at approximately 8:50 am local time. The storm reached maximum sustained winds near its center at a speed of 30 meters (98 feet) per second.

Hong Kong's observatory issued its No. 8 storm signal on Sunday night, indicating the third-highest alert in the city's weather system. As of 9 am, Tapah was reported to be carrying maximum sustained winds near its center at approximately 68 miles (110 km) per hour.

The financial hub witnessed around 100 flight cancellations, leading some travelers to sleep on chairs as they awaited information at the airport.

Police reported that a runway at the airport was closed after an HK Express plane, arriving from Beijing, veered off into the grass during landing. At one point, smoke was seen emanating from its landing gear. No injuries were reported, and authorities have yet to determine if the incident was weather-related.

Three individuals sustained injuries and were transported to hospitals for treatment due to the storm. The government received over 100 reports of felled trees and two cases of flooding in the city, with hundreds seeking refuge in temporary shelters. Court proceedings were suspended.

In Macao, the Chinese casino hub, minor flooding was observed in certain areas, as reported by Hong Kong-based broadcaster TVB. (AP)

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