Multiple localities suspend transport, work, schools as tropical storm Talim set to hit southern China

Multiple localities in southern China have announced the suspension of trains, flights and ships, as well as work and schools in anticipation of tropical storm Talim's predicted landfall on Monday evening.

China's National Meteorological Center (NMC) said Talim is expected to make landfall on Monday evening along the south part of Guangdong to the north regions of Hainan, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall to the southern Chinese provinces of Hainan, Guangdong, and Yunnan, as well as the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and the Hong Kong Special Administrative region..

Multiple rivers across the south of the country will witness flooding beyond the alert level, according to NMC.

Hainan issued a warning about potential mountain flooding across the entire island on Sunday evening, leading to the suspension of railways operations until Friday. Additionally, all Monday flights at Haikou Meilan International Airport and Qionghai Boao Airport have been canceled. As of 12 pm on Sunday, a total of 26,067 people have been evacuated onshore to avoid the typhoon while 16,293 ships have returned to port.

The city of Haikou, situated within Talim's area of impact, announced the suspension of transportation, schools, manufacturing and businesses starting from Monday noon.  The public is advised to reduce outdoor activities and prepare for emergency shelters 

Many shipping lines, trains and flights have also been canceled across Guangdong and Guangxi as local authorities are seeking to ensure safety for tourists in islands and coastal areas amid the height of the summer vacation season. More than 20,000 tourists have returned to land from cruise ship tours in Guangdong's Jiangyang city.

Kindergartens, elementary and middle schools in Guangdong's Jiangyang and Zhenjiang have also been temporarily suspended.

Affected by Talim, the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd halted trading on Monday. Hong Kong's Disneyland Park and a majority of the city's bus routes were also suspended.

Experts said China's main flood season is typically "from late July to early August," spanning from July 16 to August 15. During this period, there is typically an increase in tropical cyclone (typhoon) activity, particularly in the South China Sea and Western Pacific regions, with a focus on the southern and southeastern coastal regions of the country.