Transport in parts of South China's Hainan and Guangdong provinces was severely disrupted
yesterday by the approach of a strong tropical storm.
The storm, "Jelawat," was expected to hit between Dianbai County
in Guangdong and Wenchang in Hainan late last night, sources with
the Guangdong Provincial Meteorological Bureau said.
As of yesterday morning, the eye of the storm was located nearly
300 kilometres southeast of the city of Zhanjiang in Guangdong
Province, with strong northeasterly winds of about 20 kilometres
per hour.
Haikou Maritime Safety Bureau issued a notice yesterday before
the storm's arrival to call back all ships operating on the
Qiongzhou Strait.
Meanwhile, trains from Haikou to Guangzhou running across the
Qiongzhou Strait were also suspended, according to Haikou Railway
Station.
It was not said when ships and trains would resume
operations.
Considering the storm's route and severity, the disaster relief
office in Guangdong urged relevant departments to implement
effective measures to prevent potential disasters and loss of life.
The storm has already brought heavy rainfall, which helped ease the
week-long heat wave in Guangdong.
Temperatures in Guangdong hit their highest level so far this
year, rising above 36 C in most cities.
Influenced by the storm, provincial capital Guangzhou witnessed
temperatures between 26-31 C yesterday, and heavy rainfall as
well.
Guangdong, together with other coastal provinces in South China,
is a frequent victim of tropical storms.
Early in May, Typhoon Chanchu, the first tropical storm of this
year, hit the province forcing more than 180,000 people to be
evacuated from coastal areas to safety.
(China Daily June 29, 2006)