Typhoon Matmo Slammed Coastal China Causing Massive Evacuations

Typhoon Matmo made landfall on the coastal regions of China on Sunday afternoon, following its passage over the provincial island of Hainan. The intense weather forced the relocation of approximately 350,000 people, bringing heavy downpours and damaging winds, particularly between Guangdong's Wuchuan and Wenchang in Hainan. Ferry services were suspended and air travel disrupted at the airport in Haikou.

Typhoon Statistics

The typhoon, this year's 21st cyclone of 2025, had sustained wind speeds of 94mph and dumped more than 50mm of rainfall in a short period in Qinzhou and Chongzou. The city of the region also received high rainfall totals.

The storm triggered China's top-tier emergency warning, with disruptions in the city, where commercial activities, transportation systems and highways were closed. In the special administrative region, 100 flights were affected and dozens called off.

Future Projections

As the typhoon moves inland towards the provincial area in the neighboring country, it is expected to weaken into a less intense system with 89km/h winds but will continue to bring substantial precipitation. Northern Vietnam could experience significant rainfall on Monday, increasing the threat of inundation and landslides. The system is expected to move towards Yunnan province in China, where further intense rain is probable.

Other Storm Systems

At the same time, Hurricane Priscilla developed off Mexico's Pacific coast on the weekend, initially as a tropical storm. It prompted a storm watch for the southwestern areas from a coastal point to another location on Monday.

In the early hours of Sunday, Priscilla was about 491 kilometers from Cabo Corrientes with continuous gusts of 105km/h. It intensified into a severe cyclone in the night, when wind speeds peaked at 121km/h.

Although unlikely to hit the coast, the storm is likely to generate hazardous swells and rip currents as it tracks northwestward along the coast towards Baja California Sur. Substantial rain is forecast on Monday, amounting to 100-150mm in Michoacán and western Guerrero, with local totals at about 20 centimeters. Colima and western Jalisco could face 50-100mm.

In other parts, a cyclone named Shakhti has developed as the initial post-season storm system of 2025 in the Arabian Sea, prompting an alert from the India Meteorological Department for an Indian state. On that day, the cyclone was 130 miles southeast of a location in Oman with maximum sustained winds of 64mph.

Shakhti, which has moved in a southwestern direction and weakened, is predicted to recurve towards the east into the Arabian Sea. Rough seas are expected to continue along the coastal stretch and heavy rainfall is anticipated in shoreline areas including Dwarka, Jamnagar and Surat.

Elaine White
Elaine White

HR strategist with over a decade of experience in talent management and recruitment innovation.