Typhoon Matmo, the 21st named storm of the 2025 Pacific typhoon season, has escalated into a severe typhoon, prompting widespread evacuations and emergency measures across south China’s coastal regions as it approaches landfall in Guangdong Province.

With winds reaching up to 45 meters per second, authorities have raised the highest-level typhoon alerts, mobilizing resources to protect millions in the storm’s path.

In the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, all coastal passenger ferry routes have been suspended, and approximately 26,000 tourists were safely evacuated from Weizhou Island, with no reports of stranded individuals. Coastal projects and port operations have been halted, and 4,024 personnel from ships and offshore oil platforms have been relocated to safety. The Guangxi maritime authority activated its top-level emergency response on Sunday morning, guiding 168 vessels to secure waters and anchoring 889 ships in port to ride out the storm.

Hainan Province, another vulnerable area, has relocated over 197,000 people from high-risk zones as of Sunday noon, with a typhoon red alert still in effect. Emergency teams are on standby, and local authorities have stockpiled supplies to address potential disruptions in power and communication.

In Guangdong Province, where Matmo is expected to make landfall later today, the typhoon emergency response has been elevated to the highest level. Over 150,000 residents have been evacuated from coastal and low-lying areas to mitigate risks from storm surges and flooding. The province has deployed emergency crews to restore critical infrastructure, including power and communication networks, in preparation for the storm’s impact.

Meteorological authorities report that Matmo is moving west-northwest and is expected to hit Guangdong’s coast before weakening and entering the Beibu Gulf by Monday evening. Heavy rainfall and powerful storms are forecast for the region, with potential for flash flooding and landslides in affected areas. The China Meteorological Administration has warned of “extreme weather conditions” and urged residents to remain vigilant.

As of 7:20 PM local time on October 6, 2025, recent updates from the China Meteorological Administration indicate that Matmo has slightly accelerated its movement toward Guangdong, with landfall now projected within the next few hours near the city of Shanwei. Wind speeds have reportedly peaked at 48 meters per second, classifying Matmo as a Category 3-equivalent storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

Authorities in Guangdong have expanded evacuation zones, with an additional 50,000 residents relocated since Sunday evening, bringing the total to over 200,000. In Hainan, schools and businesses remain closed, and transportation networks, including flights and high-speed rail, have been suspended until further notice.

The National Emergency Management Agency has deployed an additional 1,500 personnel to assist with rescue and relief operations, with warnings of potential economic impacts due to disruptions in shipping and agriculture.

As Matmo barrels toward the coast, China’s southern provinces are bracing for significant impacts, with authorities urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until the storm subsides. (ILKHA)