On October 5-6, Typhoon “Matmo,” the 21st typhoon of the year, made landfall along the coast of Guangdong and then made a second landfall along the coast of Guangxi, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to many areas in southern China.
According to meteorological authorities, Typhoon “Matmo” first made landfall near Xuwen, Guangdong around 14:50 on October 5, and then made a second landfall near Fangchenggang, Guangxi around 01:10 on October 6. By the morning of October 6, the typhoon was located over Chongzuo, Guangxi, with maximum winds near the center reaching force 8 (tropical storm level). It is expected to continue moving west-northwest, bringing heavy rainfall to Guangxi, Yunnan, Guizhou and other areas.
Meteorological authorities issued a yellow rainstorm warning and a blue typhoon warning on October 6. Affected by Typhoon “Matmo,” heavy rain to torrential rain occurred in parts of Hainan Island, central and western Guangdong, and southern Guangxi on October 5, with exceptionally heavy rain in local areas including Wenchang, Haikou, Chengmai, Qiongzhong in Hainan and Zhanjiang in Guangdong. Coastal areas in central and western Guangdong, northern Hainan Island, and southern Guangxi experienced force 8-13 gusts.
It is forecast that on October 6, parts of central and western Guangxi, southwestern Guizhou, southeastern Yunnan, and western Hainan Island will experience heavy to torrential rain, with some areas in western Guangxi and southeastern Yunnan experiencing exceptionally heavy rain. The northern part of the Beibu Gulf and some coastal areas of southern Guangxi will experience force 8-9 winds with gusts reaching force 10-11.
Meteorological experts remind that “Matmo” brought strong wind and rain impacts to western Guangdong, Hainan, and southern Guangxi on October 5. Over the next two days, “Matmo” and its weakened remnant circulation will continue to bring heavy or exceptionally heavy rain to parts of Guangxi and Yunnan. The geological conditions in the Yunnan-Guizhou region are relatively fragile, and vigilance is needed against secondary disasters that heavy rain may trigger.
Xuwen
Xuwen is a county in Guangdong Province, China, historically significant as a major port during the Han Dynasty. It served as a key departure point on the ancient Maritime Silk Road, facilitating trade and cultural exchange with Southeast Asia and beyond. Today, it is known for its coastal location and historical legacy.
Fangchenggang
Fangchenggang is a coastal city in Guangxi, China, known for its deep-water seaport and strategic location on the Gulf of Tonkin. Historically, it was a significant part of the ancient Maritime Silk Road and has developed into a major hub for trade and commerce in Southern China. The city is also recognized for its proximity to scenic areas like the Shiwandashan Mountains and its status as a gateway to Vietnam.
Chongzuo
Chongzuo is a prefecture-level city in China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, bordering Vietnam. It is most famous for the Detian Waterfall, the largest transnational waterfall in Asia, which straddles the China-Vietnam border. The area also has a rich history linked to the ancient Zhuang ethnic culture and features the Nonggang National Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its karst landscape and biodiversity.
Wenchang
Wenchang is a coastal city on Hainan Island in China, historically renowned as a cradle of culture and education. It is most famous as the home of the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site, China’s first coastal launch center, which began operations in 2016. The city is also culturally significant as the ancestral hometown of many overseas Chinese.
Haikou
Haikou is the capital city of Hainan Province in southern China, historically serving as a major port and the island’s gateway. Its history is reflected in the well-preserved Qilou Old Streets, which feature a unique blend of European and Southeast Asian architectural styles from its time as a treaty port. Today, it is a modern coastal city and the political, economic, and cultural center of Hainan.
Chengmai
Chengmai is a county located on Hainan Island in southern China, historically known as one of the island’s oldest settled areas. It was a significant administrative center during the Han Dynasty and is home to cultural sites like the Yongqing Temple. Today, it is also recognized for its agricultural production, particularly of tropical fruits like longan.
Qiongzhong
Qiongzhong, officially known as Qiongzhong Li and Miao Autonomous County, is a region located in the central highlands of Hainan Province, China. It is historically and culturally significant as a major settlement of the Li and Miao ethnic minorities, who have inhabited the area for centuries. The region is known for its lush tropical rainforests, terraced fields, and the preservation of traditional folk customs and festivals.
Zhanjiang
Zhanjiang is a major port city in Guangdong Province, China, historically known as “Fort Bayard” during its time as a French colonial leasehold in the early 20th century. Its strategic location on the Leizhou Peninsula has made it a vital naval base and one of China’s key harbor cities. Today, it is an important industrial and economic hub for southwestern Guangdong.
