Typhoon Koinu Approaches Southern China and Hong Kong
A powerful typhoon named Koinu is making its way towards southern China and Hong Kong. Earlier, it caused record-breaking winds and resulted in a fatality in Taiwan. The China Meteorological Administration reported that Typhoon Koinu, which initially weakened, has regained strength as it moves west across the South China Sea toward China’s Guangdong province.
This slow-moving storm is expected to stay over the sea, bringing rain to the southern coast of China throughout the weekend as it passes south of Guangdong and Hong Kong. As of Friday evening, the storm was located approximately 150 miles southeast of Hong Kong, moving at a speed of about 7 miles per hour.
The Hong Kong Observatory has issued a strong wind warning and predicts the occurrence of squally showers, occasionally heavy, in the coming days. It’s worth noting that Hong Kong experienced heavy rains just a month ago, resulting in two fatalities and widespread flooding.
In response to the approaching typhoon, ferry services in parts of Guangdong province have been suspended, and the city of Guangzhou has canceled certain flights and train services.
Previously, Typhoon Koinu, which means “puppy” in Japanese, brought heavy rain and strong wind gusts to southern and central Taiwan. This caused tree damage and building destruction. Tragically, an 84-year-old woman lost her life due to flying glass in Taichung city, and approximately 400 others sustained injuries around the island, according to Taiwan’s fire department.
An extreme wind gust of 212.9 mph was recorded at a weather monitoring station on Taiwan’s Orchid Island, and sustained winds reached 198.7 kph. Regrettably, the device measuring wind speeds broke shortly afterward, as reported by Taiwan’s Central News Agency.
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