As Typhoon Danas continues its path through southern China and Hong Kong, officials are raising the alarm over the significant risks posed by heavy rainfall and fierce winds. The storm, which has already wreaked havoc in Taiwan by claiming two lives and knocking out power for 600,000 households, made its way across the Taiwan Strait to make landfall in China.
Initially a powerful typhoon, Danas has since weakened to a tropical depression as it moves inland, but not without leaving a trail of destruction. Expected rainfall amounts could reach as much as 17.2 inches in some areas through Thursday, with forecasts predicting an additional three inches per hour into Friday.
Guangdong province, home to approximately 127 million people, is particularly under threat, as officials warn of the potential for flash floods, landslides, and severe thunderstorms. Wind gusts reaching 73 miles per hour are being anticipated, closely mimicking the conditions associated with a Category 1 hurricane.
Hong Kong is also bracing for impact, where school closures were announced for Friday. The local meteorological agency has issued a red rain warning, indicating rainfall rates exceeding 1.9 inches per hour. Violent gusts of up to 43 miles per hour were recorded on Sha Chau Island, prompting authorities to advise residents to remain indoors.
The adverse weather conditions, enhanced by the interaction with monsoon rains, are expected to persist until the end of the week, creating a challenging situation for residents and emergency services alike.
