Evacuations and Preparations Amidst Strong Winds and Rain

On Sunday, tourists were seen braving heavy rains to reach a railway station in Haikou, the capital of Hainan province. Residents were advised to avoid unnecessary travel due to Typhoon Kajiki making landfall.

South China's Hainan province and parts of Guangdong province experienced strong winds and heavy rain as Typhoon Kajiki passed over open waters south of Hainan, heading towards Vietnam's central coast. A video showed winds breaking tree branches, rocking a docked boat, and sending waves over a pier.

The National Meteorological Center reported that Kajiki gained strength while moving westward over the sea, with maximum sustained winds reaching 162 kilometers per hour. Southern parts of Hainan Island, including the popular beach resort of Sanya, were forecast to receive 25 to 40 centimeters of rainfall.

Hainan took extensive measures to prepare for Typhoon Kajiki, fearing it could be the strongest typhoon to hit the region in the past 40 years. The province raised its emergency response to the highest level. The typhoon, the 13th of the year, intensified from a severe tropical storm to a full typhoon early Sunday morning. It gained strength and headed towards Hainan's southern coast, with landfall or a close pass expected on Sunday evening.

Authorities in Sanya evacuated 31,843 people from potentially vulnerable areas by Sunday afternoon. Temporary shelters were set up at local facilities to accommodate those affected. Across the province, over 770,000 emergency supplies were prepared for vulnerable areas. More than 2,800 rescue workers were on standby with necessary vehicles and equipment. All local fishing boats had either returned to port or were safely sheltered, with crew members moved to shore.

Residents were advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from low-lying areas, temporary structures, and the coast, and to be alert for potential geological hazards. In Sanya, measures included closing schools, offices, business operations, suspending public transportation and shipping, and shutting scenic areas.

Hotels in Sanya took steps to ensure guest safety. One hotel provided multilingual notices in guest rooms with weather updates, information on temporarily suspended facilities, and offered alternative indoor activities.

A Russian tourist visiting Sanya expressed confidence in the tour guide and travel agency's experience in dealing with the typhoon, and hoped to enjoy the beaches and vacation once the storm passed. A Sanya resident chose to stay home over the weekend, stating that the typhoon had not significantly affected her daily life.