On October 25th, news emerged from Guangzhou regarding Typhoon “Tanmei,” the 20th typhoon of the year, which is predicted to impact the waters off Guangdong Province. In preparation, local authorities have taken decisive measures, with the Guangdong Provincial Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters convening an emergency meeting on the evening of the 24th to assess and strategize for the impending storm. As of 5 PM on the 24th, all 83,600 fishing vessels in the province’s waters have returned to port to ride out the storm.
According to meteorological reports, “Tanmei” entered the central South China Sea on the afternoon of the 24th. At that time, the storm’s center was located about 25 kilometers off the west coast of Luzon Island in the Philippines, featuring maximum winds of level 9 (23 m/s). The storm is expected to move westward at a speed of 10-15 kilometers per hour, gradually strengthening to typhoon intensity. It will likely head towards the southeastern waters of Hainan from the 25th to the 27th before shifting eastward during the day on the 28th, with its strength expected to decrease.
The combined effect of cold air and “Tanmei” will result in significant wind activity across the Taiwan Strait, northern and central South China Sea waters, and off Guangdong’s coast in the coming days. The provincial emergency management office has pledged to closely monitor the typhoon’s progression, enhancing coordination and ensuring the implementation of the “Six 100%” measures for typhoon defense. By 5 PM on the 24th, all fishing vessels had safely returned to port, along with crew members: 1,617 personnel from 34 offshore wind power construction platforms, 7,222 from fish farming operations, and 1,145 from marine ranching activities.
The Guangdong Provincial Emergency Management Department reported that the Guangdong Maritime Bureau has deployed 10 specialized rescue vessels, 73 powerful tugboats, and 4 rescue helicopters along the coastline. Additionally, 304 maritime personnel have been mobilized, and 36 patrol vessels have been dispatched to oversee ship safety, successfully implementing safety measures for 1,038 vessels.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Department of Transportation is continuing to implement typhoon preparedness, with 9 passenger ferry routes currently suspended. The Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the Marine Comprehensive Law Enforcement Team have ensured that all fishing vessels in affected sea areas have returned to port, with all fish farming workers and marine ranching staff also evacuated to safety on land. The Provincial Water Resources Department has been proactive in strengthening duty oversight, coordination, and monitoring efforts. They are also enforcing protective measures for coastal dikes and ongoing construction projects, while the Forestry Bureau remains vigilant, organizing patrols to ensure outdoor workers are alerted and relocated safely.
In addition, the Guangdong Meteorological Bureau is enhancing monitoring and reporting on Typhoon “Tanmei,” increasing the frequency of meteorological alerts and information dissemination.
