China's southern provinces of Hainan and Guangdong have activated a Level-IV emergency response as Typhoon Matmo approaches, threatening to disrupt travel during the peak National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday period. The 21st named storm of the 2025 Pacific typhoon season is expected to make landfall Sunday between western Guangdong and eastern Hainan Island.
Meteorological agencies predict sustained winds of 42-48 meters per second, classifying Matmo as a severe typhoon. Coastal regions west of the Pearl River Estuary in Guangdong could face torrential rains starting Saturday night, while Hainan's popular tourist sites prepare for potential disruptions to flights, ferries, and high-speed rail services through Sunday.
Authorities are prioritizing safety measures at coastal attractions and mountainous areas, with Hainan's emergency management bureau stating: 'We're implementing real-time monitoring systems at all major tourism zones to ensure swift response capabilities.' Over 10,000 fishing vessels have returned to harbor in both provinces as precautionary measures.
The timing presents unique challenges, with millions of travelers expected to be in transit during the eight-day holiday. Transportation officials confirm contingency plans are in place, including backup power systems at key rail stations and emergency shelter arrangements at major airports.
Business continuity experts note the storm's potential impact on Guangdong's manufacturing sector, particularly electronics factories in the Pearl River Delta region. 'Companies with just-in-time supply chains should prepare for possible logistics delays,' advised Dr. Li Wei, a risk management specialist at Guangzhou University.
Residents and visitors are advised to monitor official weather updates and follow evacuation instructions where issued. Normal transportation services are expected to resume by Monday morning if the storm maintains its current trajectory.
