Cities in southern China suspended classes and canceled some flights as Tropical Storm Yagi strengthened into a super typhoon and headed toward the resort island province of Hainan.
This week, Yagi caused floods and landslides on the main Philippine island of Luzon. According to official data, at least 13 people died, AFP reported.
The tropical storm became a super typhoon as it moved west across the South China Sea, China's Xinhua news agency said, and headed toward Hainan with winds of up to 209 km/h.
"Hainan has raised its emergency response level to Yagi to the highest level. The typhoon is expected to make landfall in either Hainan or neighboring Guangdong.
Classes at kindergartens and special schools in Hong Kong were suspended, and budget airline Hong Kong Express said six flights had been rescheduled.
Greater Bay Airlines said it would cancel four flights and reschedule two more because of the weather.
After southern China, Yagi will head to Vietnam, affecting the northern and north-central regions around the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay.
Vietnam's meteorological agency issued a warning, and the government mobilized more than 2,700 military personnel to respond.
Coastal provinces are planning a ban on sailing, and Vietnam's mountainous provinces have been ordered to prepare rescue vehicles. | BGNES
