The Asian financial center of Hong Kong and China’s Guangdong province took precautionary measures on Friday in response to the impending arrival of Typhoon Saola.

These measures included the cancellation of hundreds of flights and the evacuation of nearly 800,000 individuals. This led to the closure of businesses, schools, and financial markets.

With wind speeds reaching approximately 200 kph (125 mph), this super typhoon is expected to make landfall in Guangdong either late on Friday or early on Saturday, Reuters reported.

Authorities have issued warnings, indicating that it could be among the five most powerful typhoons to hit the province since 1949.

In Guangdong, 785,155 people from high-risk areas have been evacuated, and 13 cities have postponed the start of the school term after the summer break.

In Hong Kong, the cancellation of approximately 460 flights left over 300 people stranded at the airport as the city, with its 7.5 million residents, raised its hurricane warning to the highest level.

Written by staff