What is the name and location of the storm?
As of October 6, 2025, the storm is named Typhoon Matmo. It made landfall in southern China’s Guangdong Province after moving through the South China Sea with sustained winds reaching up to 104 miles per hour, equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane.
The system weakened into a tropical depression as it moved inland across Guangxi Province and toward northern Vietnam (1).
Which cities or areas are affected by the storm?
Typhoon Matmo has impacted multiple regions across East and Southeast Asia, including:
- Guangdong and Guangxi provinces in southern China
- Hainan Island, including Haikou and Wenchang
- Hong Kong, where flights were delayed and strong wind warnings were issued
- Northern Vietnam, including Hanoi, Quang Ninh, and Lang Son provinces
- Thailand’s northern, northeastern, eastern, and southern regions, which are experiencing heavy rainfall and flash flood risks due to the strengthened southwest monsoon (4)
In Guangdong alone, over 151,000 residents were evacuated, while China’s overall evacuation count surpassed 347,000 people as the typhoon approached coastal areas (2).
What is the projected path and intensity of the storm?
As of the latest forecasts, Typhoon Matmo has weakened into a tropical depression while continuing to move northwest at approximately 20–25 kilometers per hour (3).
The system’s centre was last located over southern Guangxi Province, China, and it is expected to move toward northern Vietnam and Yunnan Province before dissipating.
Key meteorological highlights include:
- Maximum sustained winds of 104–151 kilometers per hour during peak intensity.
- Heavy rainfall of 100–200 mm, with localized totals exceeding 300 mm across northern Vietnam.
- In Thailand, waves reaching up to 2 meters and flash flood warnings due to intensified monsoon activity.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Authorities across affected regions have implemented multiple safety measures and evacuation orders. In China, nearly 350,000 residents from high-risk and coastal areas were relocated before the storm’s landfall.
Guangdong and Hainan provinces suspended transportation, closed schools, and halted ferry routes as part of emergency precautions. Hong Kong issued a No. 3 Strong Wind Signal, later downgraded as the storm weakened.
Vietnam’s disaster management authorities placed a level 3 disaster risk alert across northern provinces, urging residents to prepare for flash floods and landslides (3).
In Thailand, the Meteorological Department warned residents to remain vigilant for potential flash floods, runoff, and overflowing rivers until October 7 (4).
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
