Typhoon Tapah Disrupts Southern China, Hong Kong, and Macao

Typhoon Tapah, the 16th typhoon of the 2025 Pacific season, made landfall near Taishan in Guangdong province, China, on September 8, 2025, at approximately 8:50 a.m. local time. The storm brought maximum sustained winds near its center of about 110 kilometers per hour (68 mph), leading to extensive evacuations, transportation disruptions, and significant impacts across the region, including Hong Kong and Macao.

In Guangdong province, over 200,000 residents were evacuated to ensure safety. In Jiangmen city alone, more than 41,000 people were relocated from hazardous areas. Train and ferry services were suspended; all trains on the Shenzhen-Zhanjiang and Guangzhou-Maoming railway lines were halted on September 8, with plans to gradually resume services on September 9. Cross-sea trains between Guangdong and Hainan provinces were canceled or rerouted to terminate at Guangzhou Baiyun Railway Station due to the suspension of ferry services. In Taishan, approximately 120,000 students from 182 primary and secondary schools and kindergartens were affected by class suspensions.

Hong Kong raised its storm warning to Signal No. 8, the third-highest level, as Typhoon Tapah approached. This led to the cancellation of approximately 100 flights. A runway at Hong Kong International Airport was temporarily closed after an HK Express plane veered onto grass upon landing; no injuries were reported in this incident. Twelve people sustained injuries during the storm and were hospitalized. The government received numerous reports of damage, including over 160 toppled trees and minor flooding. Hundreds sought shelter in temporary centers.

In Macao, minor flooding was reported, and schools, public transport, and taxi services were suspended. The Macao Civil Aviation Authority stated that, as of Sunday night, 51 flights to and from Macao had been delayed, rescheduled, or canceled.

After making landfall, Typhoon Tapah continued northwest toward Wuzhou in Guangxi province, bringing heavy rainfall with more forecasted in the coming days.

The extensive evacuations and service suspensions highlight the region's proactive measures in response to typhoons. The suspension of transportation services and business operations likely resulted in economic disruptions. The swift response and minimal reported injuries or fatalities demonstrate the effectiveness of disaster preparedness and community resilience in the affected regions.

Typhoon Tapah's impact on southern China, Hong Kong, and Macao underscores the region's vulnerability to severe weather events. The coordinated emergency responses and preventive measures taken by authorities played a crucial role in mitigating the storm's effects and ensuring public safety.