China’s Hainan Island prepares for tropical storm 20,000 evacuated

Authorities on China’s resort island of Hainan have evacuated 20,000 people due to the approaching tropical storm Kajiki, which is heading toward the southern coast.

All public establishments on the island have been closed, and public transport has been suspended, a Chinese media outlet reports. 

More than 30,000 fishing vessels have returned to port, and over 2,800 rescuers are on standby to provide emergency assistance.

As of the morning, wind speeds had reached 38 m/s. The cyclone was located approximately 210 km southeast of Sanya. Meteorologists predict that the storm will hit Hainan on Sunday afternoon or evening.

By Khagan Isayev