Authorities in coastal regions in southern China stepped up precautionary measures and conducted timely evacuations as they braced for the impact of the Super Typhoon Yagi, which made landfall in south China’s Hainan Province on Friday afternoon.
The 11th typhoon of the year, Yagi, made landfall at 16:20 local time Friday in the Wengtian Township of Hainan’s Wenchang City, with ferocious wind speeds exceeding 234 kilometers per hour.
The typhoon has brought heavy rainfall across most of the island, with severe rainstorms pummeling many townships and villages. Around 20,000 firefighters, soldiers, and additional rescue personnel have gathered and are on standby to handle any emergency situations which may arise, while the relevant departments stocked up on relief supplies in advance.
As of 17:00 on Friday, more than 460,000 people have been evacuated and more than 500 relocation centers have been set up across Wenchang City. Efforts are also ongoing to assess geological hazards and conduct inspections of the rivers, lakes, and reservoirs deemed at risk.
As the typhoon approaches the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, efforts are also being stepped up to ensure emergency support for power, communication, and transportation.
The typhoon-induced suspension of all ferry services across the Qiongzhou Strait between Hainan and Guangdong led to over 3,000 trucks being left stranded in the Xuwen County of Zhanjiang City. Local authorities have dispatched specialized teams to direct people to specific emergency shelters.
Meanwhile, multiple cities in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, including the popular coastal resort city of Beihai, have preemptively implemented various measures, including suspending business operations and closing schools, while more coastal regions are stepping up their preventive work.
Elsewhere, South China’s Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions (SARs) have taken a variety of precautions for Super Typhoon Yagi. The stock exchange in Hong Kong was shuttered while schools remained closed on Friday. All ferries, buses and taxis have been suspended across the city, and subways are running on a reduced timetable.
Macao also proactively implemented a range of preventive emergency measures that encompassed transportation, water and electricity supplies, and municipal services.
In the tiny village of Bogdal in Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, locals are turning their rich history into tourism opportunities, reviving the rural economy.
Located in Wenquan County, Bogdal is about 60 kilometers from Sayram Lake, the largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, which is known for its stunning views and rich biodiversity.
Most of Bogdal’s residents are of Mongolian ethnicity whose ancestors were sent to Xinjiang to garrison the border during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
At the present, the local Han, Kazakh and Uyghur people, the local farmers and herdsmen at Bodgal are turning their past into tourism attractions, creating new economic opportunities.
Yurts of Mongolian or Kazak-style, colourful murals, villagers donning traditional costumes, bygone items such as ox carts placed as decorative elements are sights that provide a glimpse into a bygone era.
Visitors are warmly welcomed by horseback riders dressed as ancient Mongolian soldiers amid sombre ringing of horns, in an elaborate gate opening ceremony.
Taking in the views, visitors can savor local delicacies of various ethnic groups or if in Winter, go skiing or enjoy the nearly hot water springs.
Villagers also enact a traditional Mongolian wedding ceremony for visitors.
The village’s face-lift is all due to a rural vitalization project that started in 2021.
Infrastructure has been fully developed, including sewage systems, roads and walls, all renovated with government funding. The village committee encourages residents to convert idle houses into homestays, and organizes activities to attract tourists.
Slowly but surely, Bogdal has transited from a mere pastoral village to an emerging tourist destination in recent years.
Minister of Foreign Affairs – Vijitha Herath has stated that Sri Lanka has signed 15 MoUs with China today (Jan. 15) after talks between the Presidents of the countries.
In a video statement, he said that these MoUs are important to the economy, education, media and cultural landscape of Sri Lanka and that the island nation will enjoy host of benefits.
He also said that the Chinese President – Xi Jinping had pledged to provide continuous support to Sri Lanka.
The official meeting between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and Chinese President Xi Jinping commenced a short while ago at at 05.00 pm Chinese time at the Great Hall of the People.
It is also expected that several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed following bilateral discussions between the two Presidents.
Previously, preparations made for a special welcome ceremony for visiting Sri Lankan President, the official meeting and signing ceremony are as follows :