China's southern island province of Hainan is gearing up to guard against Typhoon Sarika, which is expected to make landfall on Tuesday.
Authorities of Hainan province held an emergency meeting Sunday night to review precautionary measures. Provincial meteorological bureau chief Cai Qinbo said typhoon-induced losses are expected to be "grave," as the tropical cyclone is projected to be the most powerful and destructive to land in Hainan in a decade.
According to the latest forecast, Typhoon Sarika, the 21st typhoon of the year, will enter southeast Hainan early Tuesday before landing between the cities of Qionghai and Sanya. The storm is expected to intensify into a super-typhoon upon landing.
Classes in Sanya's kindergartens, middle and primary schools will be suspended from Monday to Wednesday.
The provincial authorities have also ordered safety checks of reservoirs, power and water supplies, while demanding the fishery and farming sectors take precautions.
High-speed trains connecting cities in Hainan will be suspended starting late Monday. In the nearby province of Guangdong, the local fishery department has called on all fishing boats traveling around Hainan island and surrounding waters to moor at bay.
