Typhoon Saola is approaching the southeastern coastline of mainland China and Hong Kong, with expected winds exceeding 200 kph (125 mph). Beijing has issued its highest typhoon warning, and at least 121 passenger trains have suspended services in anticipation, mostly affecting key north-south lines until September 6, DW reports.
Saola is expected to make landfall along the coast from Guangzhou province to Hong Kong on Friday afternoon or night, according to China’s National Meteorological Center. It is forecasted to be among the five strongest typhoons to hit Guangzhou since 1949.
Shenzhen city in Guangzhou province has suspended classes at all levels of schools and upgraded its typhoon warning level to yellow. Hong Kong’s leader, John Lee, has requested government departments to plan ahead and urged residents to take precautions.
It is still uncertain whether the new school year will begin on September 1 as planned for many students. The Hong Kong Observatory has advised residents to avoid water sports and coastal areas.
Saola passed just south of Taiwan on Wednesday before turning towards mainland China, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the island’s southern cities. Earlier this week, Saola also hit the Philippines, with no reported casualties so far. However, floods hit low-lying villages in the country’s north, displacing some 50,000 people and damaging around 100 houses. Inter-city ferry services were also suspended due to rough seas.
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