Typhoon Nesat slammed into the southern Chinese island of Hainan on Thursday, forcing the evacuation of 100,000 people after sweeping past Hong Kong and leaving at least 35 dead in the Philippines.
The typhoon – the strongest to hit China this year – landed in Wenchang city packing winds of up to 151 kilometres (94 miles) an hour, Hainan’s meteorological bureau said in a statement. Authorities in the island province called boats back to port, suspended flight and ferry services and closed schools as Nesat, the 17th typhoon to hit China this year, approached.
The provincial government said 100,000 people had been evacuated on the island, which is popular with tourists.
Meanwhile, water sports and mountain climbing have been banned during the upcoming national day holidays, according to the People’s Daily website. There were no immediate reports of casualties from the typhoon, which was expected to be the strongest to hit the island in six years.
Nesat also shut down Hong Kong as its hurricane-force winds forced the closure of financial markets, schools and transport services in the shipping hub. At least three people were injured there due to the winds, and around 50 others were evacuated from their flats after a barge slipped its moorings and crashed into nearby railings, according to public broadcaster RTHK. Nesat caused widespread damage earlier this week when it smashed into the Philippines, claiming at least 35 lives.
Tens of thousands of people are still battling neck-deep floodwaters caused by the typhoon.
