Northeast set for impact of 2nd typhoon

Cities suspend classes, transportation as more rain, heavy winds expected

Typhoon Khanun is expected to bring heavy rain to Northeast China in the next few days, with some cities announcing the suspension of classes, work, manufacturing and transportation services for the remainder of the week.

Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces are already counting the cost of flooding due to heavy rainfall from Typhoon Doksuri this month.

Further downpours from Typhoon Khanun could worsen the existing flood damage, the National Meteorological Center warned.

The Shangzhi City Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters in Heilongjiang has implemented citywide suspensions in key areas from Thursday to Saturday.

Shangzhi was one of the hardest-hit areas by recent heavy rainfall and strong winds.

The city's publicity department has advised all residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary outings.

Except for essential public services, all other enterprises are required to suspend operations. Public transportation will also be temporarily shut down.

Kindergartens, primary and secondary schools and summer training institutions have been suspended. All tourist attractions will be closed and measures taken to evacuate and protect at-risk tourists, the publicity department said.

Underground spaces, including parking lots, will be closed and construction projects suspended, it added.

Jixi and Ning'an have also closed most tourist spots, according to both cities' tourism authorities. Major railway lines in Heilongjiang including Harbin-Suifenhe and Mudanjiang-Jiamusi have been suspended, according to the local railway authority.

Shangzhi's meteorological service forecast that Typhoon Khanun will bring rainfall of 50 to 70 millimeters to the city over three days.

"Combined with the impact of Typhoon Doksuri, Shangzhi will face even greater challenges in flood prevention and disaster relief," the service said.

Typhoon Khanun made landfall on the southern coast of South Korea on Thursday.

There is still some uncertainty about the path of the typhoon as it is affected by Typhoon Lan, which is located to the east of it, said the National Meteorological Center.

After making landfall, Typhoon Khanun could be pushed in a more westerly direction by the winds from Typhoon Lan, said Zhang Ling, chief forecaster at the center. "If this force is strong enough, Khanun may move into the eastern waters of the Yellow Sea," Zhang said.

The Shandong Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters has asked aquaculture workers and ship personnel to be evacuated in a timely manner. It is also necessary to close tourist venues such as coastal scenic spots, farmhouses and suspend tour groups.

"As Typhoon Lan intensifies, it will keep transporting water vapor to Khanun, which will maintain its power while going north and bring more rain to parts of Northeast China," Zhang added.

Typhoon Khanun is also expected to bring strong winds, which could cause damage to tall crops such as corn. During the storm, certain areas in Heilongjiang and Jilin may experience temporary cold temperatures and reduced sunlight, which could also impact crop growth, she said.

As of Wednesday, more than 370,000 people had been affected by rain in Heilongjiang and 258,000 hectares of crops have been flooded, the provincial emergency management and agriculture and rural affairs department said.

Meanwhile, in Fuyu, Jilin province, part of the embankment of the Lalin River collapsed on Wednesday morning due to high water levels. Nearby residents have been relocated to surrounding areas by local authorities.