Tropical Storm Nock-Ten reaches China, many forced to evacuate
August 1, 2011
Thursday, in anticipation of the arrival of tropical storm Nock-Ten, the Chinese government issued a yellow alert. When the storm reached the nation's southern shores, more than 27,000 citizens of the Hainan island were forced to evacuate from low-lying areas and fish farms. Winds reached speeds of nearly 60 miles per hour, and heavy rain has drastically reduced visibility, according to Xinhuanet.com.
Thankfully, all of the fishing boats that had been out at sea when the storm hit have returned safely, China Daily reports. People who have family in and around this region can use calling cards to stay in touch with them and make sure they are alright.
In addition to evacuations from low-lying regions of the island, the Haikou Meilan International Airport has cancelled 48 flights, incoming and outgoing. People who are trying to fly out of the area for business can use an international calling card to let their employer know about the delay and make further arrangements.
Nock-Ten is the most powerful storm to hit China so far this year, and meteorologists are predicting that it will reach the shores of the mainland within a day. For the time being, shipping from the island to the mainland across the Qiongzhou Strait, has ceased as well.