Super Typhoon Mangkhut Makes Landfall in China

Super Typhoon Mangkhut
Super Typhoon Mangkhut (photo: Facebook/ Screenshot)
By Mei ManuelSeptember 16th, 2018

On Sunday, the super typhoon known in its international name "Mangkhut" has made landfall in Guangdong, China's largest populated province after it passed by Hong Kong, Macau and the Philippines.

According for weather forecasters and analysts, Mangkhut - Thai for mangosteen - is the strongest cyclone to hit the region this year as it packed winds of more than 200 kph. Ports, factories and plants had been shut down and the power was also reduced in some areas before the typhoon made its landfall. At least 2.45 million people were relocated and 48,000 fishing boats were recalled to port.

In Hong Kong, the typhoon traversed through the southern part of the country and while it did not make a direct hit, the typhoon's strong winds still devastated the country. Water levels surged up to 3.5 meters in some areas, washing into the residential areas in Eastern Heng Fa Chuen. Flight cancellations were also done because of the typhoon.

In Macau, serious flooding was reported by the authorities on Saturday and it reached up to 2.5 meters. A large blackout had also cut off power for more than 20,000 Macau homes.

Prior to its arrival in China, Mangkhut caused chaos in the northern region of the Philippines and it is reported that the death toll may rise up to 50 once the landslides in the region are cleared up.

Mangkhut is expected to continue its path and by Monday, it is expected to hit Guangxi Autonomous Region. It will be weakening into a tropical depression by Tuesday once it is in Yunnan province.

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