East China’s Fujian Province has implemented emergency measures in anticipation of Typhoon Gaemi, the third typhoon of the year, which is predicted to make landfall in the coastal regions on Thursday and then move northward. These measures include halting passenger train and ferry services, closing scenic areas, and enhancing the early warning system.
At 10 am on Wednesday, China’s National Meteorological Center issued a red alert, the highest level, for Typhoon Gaemi, marking it the first red alert for a typhoon in 2024. Typhoon Gaemi intensified to a super typhoon by 8 am on Wednesday and was expected to make landfall along the central or northern coast of Taiwan island on Wednesday night.
After crossing Taiwan, the typhoon is forecasted to land between Fuding and Jinjiang in Fujian, according to meteorological authorities.
On Wednesday, Fujian Province elevated its emergency response for typhoons from Level-II to Level-I, the highest level, with the typhoon expected to move northwest at a speed of 10 to 15 kilometers per hour.
The Fujian provincial meteorological bureau has enhanced its meteorological services, ensuring timely updates of typhoon forecasts and warnings, and leveraging new technologies such as meteorological satellites, radar, numerical forecasting, and artificial intelligence.
Fujian’s transportation and maritime authorities have also taken measures to mitigate the typhoon’s impact. All passenger train services in Fujian have been suspended on Thursday, with some suspensions extending to Friday.
The province’s maritime authorities have strengthened early warning and control measures, instructing ships in port to evacuate and seek shelter, evacuating personnel from offshore construction projects, and suspending ferry routes. As of 10 am on Wednesday, 66 passenger ferry routes with 180 passenger ferries have been suspended, according to Xinhua News Agency.
Local shopping malls are advising business owners, especially those on the first floor, to secure all items, close doors and windows, turn off water and electricity after leaving, and avoid hanging important paintings on walls to prevent losses, according to Pan.
Due to the typhoon, many scenic spots in Fujian have been closed. In Fuzhou alone, ten scenic spots had been closed by 9:30 am on Wednesday.
Starting Thursday, some regions in Fujian will suspend businesses, production, and classes to minimize the typhoon’s impact.
East China’s Zhejiang Province raised its typhoon alert to Level-III at noon on Wednesday, while Shanghai activated a Level-IV emergency response for rainstorms and typhoons.
