As Typhoon Kajiki is brushing through south China's island province of Hainan, local authorities have taken quick precautionary steps.
As the 13th typhoon of this year, Typhoon Kajiki strengthened into a severe typhoon at 14:00 on Sunday, about 135 kilometers southeast of Sanya City in Hainan. Near its center, maximum sustained winds hit level 14, or 42 meters per second. Under its influence, from Sunday to next Monday, Hainan Island will see heavy rains and strong winds.
The Hainan government upgraded its emergency response to level II on Saturday afternoon, and to the highest level on Sunday morning. Local emergency forces have been gearing up for the approaching extreme weather.
"From the moment the early warning was issued, we have taken swift action. We comprehensively strengthened on-duty preparedness, further optimized emergency rescue plans, and conducted thorough inspections and maintenance of emergency rescue equipment across the city's fire rescue teams. Our teams are now fully mobilized. We would also like to remind the public to minimize unnecessary outings during the typhoon's impact, close doors and windows, and stay away from potentially dangerous facilities such as power poles and billboards," said Xie Sheng, deputy chief of the Sanya Fire Rescue Detachment.
Other public service organs have also been taking measures to safeguard citizens.
"After receiving the Level II emergency response yesterday afternoon, we immediately activated our emergency response plan to ensure that no tourists could approach or accidentally enter beach areas and seawaters. Every 10 minutes, we use three languages to remind visitors to avoid hazardous zones and enhance their safety awareness with our safety broadcasting," said Sun Yulong, safety director of the Dadonghai Scenic Area in Sanya.
Hainan takes precautions as Typhoon Kajiki brushes through
