Summary: On 05 October, Typhoon Matmo made landfall in Xuwen County, Zhanjiang City, Guangdong, and a second landfall in Fangchenggang, Guangxi, on 06 October. A second landfall occurs when a storm hits land again after moving over a body of water. The storm caused torrential rainfall, gusty winds with a sustained wind speed of 94 mph, and the evacuation of around 350,000 people, especially between Wuchuan in Guangdong and Wenchang in Hainan. Red rainstorm warnings, the highest-level alert, were activated in Zhanjiang. The storm also generated strong winds in northern coastal areas of Vietnam, including Bach Long Vi Island, Co To Island, and the Quang Ninh–Hai Phong coastline.
Matmo formed from a tropical depression over the eastern Philippines on 02 October and caused widespread flooding in the country last week.
Implications:
- Schools, businesses, transport, and public services were temporarily closed on 04 and 05 October in Zhanjiang and parts of Hainan as the storm approached. Following the second landfall, emergency shutdown orders were implemented across multiple cities in Guangxi, including Beihai, Qinzhou, Fangchenggang and Chongzuo.
- The storm caused major transport disruptions. Flights were cancelled at Haikou Meilan and Hong Kong airports. Ferry services were suspended in Hainan, and roads were closed. All trains on Hainan Island were suspended on 05 October and are expected to resume on 06 October.
- China activated a level IV national disaster relief emergency response (the country operates a four-tier emergency response system with level I indicating the highest level of severity and level IV the lowest). More than 10,000 emergency and rescue personnel were deployed across Guangdong.
- The storm weakened into a severe tropical storm after landfall. It is expected to further weaken as it moves west-northwest towards Vietnam’s northern mountains. This is due to the influence of a cold air mass spreading from China.
- Heavy rainfall is expected to continue in parts of Guangxi, Yunnan, and Guizhou provinces. Weather conditions in Guangdong are forecast to improve, with occasional showers.
- The storm is likely to strengthen the southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, prompting rainfall warnings in the northern, northeastern, and eastern parts of Thailand. Vietnam’s northern mountainous and midland regions, including Hanoi, are expected to receive 100-200 mm of rainfall until 07 October.
Outlook: Typhoon Matmo is likely to continue affecting parts of China, Vietnam, and Thailand as it continues weakening. Persistent rainfall could increase the risk of flooding and landslides, especially in mountainous regions. Travel disruptions are likely to continue due to inundations and roadblocks. Authorities may impose restrictions on movement to ensure public safety as disaster relief operations continue. Disruptions to communication services and power supply may occur due to potential damage to utility infrastructure. Organizations are advised to remain updated on the weather updates and alerts announced by authorities and prepare contingency plans accordingly.
