Xuwen: Southern China faced severe disruption as Typhoon Matmo made landfall on Sunday, October 5, 2025, along the eastern coast of Xuwen in Guangdong province. The storm struck during China’s peak National Day holiday, a period when millions of people travel across the country for leisure and family reunions. The timing of the typhoon amplified its impact, creating widespread concern among residents, travelers, and local authorities.
According to China’s National Meteorological Center, Matmo arrived with sustained winds reaching 151 km/h (94 mph). Prior to hitting China, the typhoon had already caused flooding and infrastructure damage in the Philippines. In anticipation of Matmo’s approach, authorities in Hainan province swiftly implemented precautionary measures. Flights and ferry services were canceled, with Haikou International Airport grounding all flights from 11 p.m. Saturday, while tourist ships and ferries in Sanya were suspended from 6 p.m. These measures significantly disrupted holiday travel during the eight-day celebration, which had initially projected an estimated 2.36 billion trips nationwide.
Beyond travel, the typhoon forced the suspension of schools, workplaces, and public transport in affected cities including Haikou and Zhanjiang. Cultural events, tourism activities, and community gatherings were postponed or canceled, leaving both locals and visitors grappling with sudden changes to their plans. In Hong Kong, the Observatory escalated its tropical cyclone warning to Signal No. 3, marking the 12th tropical warning issued this year the highest since 1946 highlighting the severity of the approaching storm.
As Matmo approached China’s coastline, meteorological authorities issued alerts for strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential flooding in Hainan, Guangdong, and parts of Yunnan provinces. Emergency teams were deployed, and citizens were urged to remain indoors and follow safety protocols. Local governments worked to ensure that residents in vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas received timely information and assistance.
The convergence of the National Day holiday and a powerful typhoon has presented an unprecedented logistical challenge, complicating travel, tourism, and daily life across southern China. Authorities continue to monitor Matmo’s progress, with ongoing efforts to assess damage, provide relief, and support communities impacted by the storm. The coming days are expected to test both emergency response systems and the resilience of affected populations as the region recovers from Typhoon Matmo’s fury.