Post-typhoon relief work flat-out in Zhanjiang

Large-scale cleanup and restorations are under way in Zhanjiang in the wake of Typhoon Khanun, the 20th typhoon this year, which landed in Xuwen county on Oct 16 and brought strong winds and heavy rains.

So far, the economic losses in Zhanjiang caused by the typhoon have reached 825 million yuan ($125 million), of which 395 million yuan are in agriculture, forestry, husbandry and fisheries, while 345 million yuan are in water conservancy facilities. No causalities have been reported yet.

Xuwen is the hardest hit with flooded farmland and damaged water conservancy facilities and public infrastructures. The long-lasting rainfall also slightly desalinated the sea water which caused mass mortality of prawns.

Top priority was given to post-typhoon relief work in Xuwen county under the emergency plan for disasters. Local people within heavily affected areas, especially in low-lying areas or dilapidated buildings, were the first to be relocated.

Agricultural experts were invited to instruct local farmers to replant crops and minimize the losses, while fishery authorities went to the breeding base of prawns to give instructions on disease prevention.

Repair work on the damaged embankment and water conservancy facilities caused by the big waves and increasing sea level is also under way. Furthermore, shipping services across the Qiongzhou Straits resumed from 8 pm on Oct 16, and multiple construction sites in Zhanjiang have returned to normal.