Nanning: Typhoon Maysak weakened after hitting southern China and Vietnam, leaving a trail of heavy rain and severe flash flooding in its wake. The storm made landfall for the second time on Saturday, causing the worst flooding in some areas of southern China in 20 years.
According to Thai News Agency, Tropical Storm Maysak swept through parts of southern China, particularly affecting the cities of Nanning and Fangchenggang in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The storm's heavy rainfall led to rivers overflowing and rapidly flooding the cities, turning streets into lakes and submerging cars. Local authorities mobilized rescue workers and police to evacuate over 3,600 people using rubber boats. In the neighboring Guangdong province, more than 23,000 people had already been evacuated.
Typhoon Maysak initially struck Hainan Island, causing flooding and traffic disruptions in Sanya City before moving to Vietnam and then returning to Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. In Vietnam, the storm brought wind speeds of 110 kilometers per hour, toppling trees and damaging buildings. Authorities worked swiftly to clear debris and reopen roads using chainsaws and heavy machinery.
In other parts of China, rain unrelated to Typhoon Maysak caused disasters in Liaoning Province and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, resulting in at least five deaths. Torrential rains led to roads becoming flooded and forced the evacuation of over 3,600 people.
The center of Tropical Storm Maysak is currently located in the Gulf of Tonkin, continuing to weaken and expected to dissipate within the next 24-36 hours. However, the Thai Meteorological Department has warned that the storm's indirect effects will strengthen the southwest monsoon, bringing heavy rainfall to many areas in Thailand. Waves in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are expected to reach 2-3 meters, and small boats are advised to stay ashore during this period.