Published on
August 26, 2025
China’s south coast has started to recover as transport resumes after the weakening of Typhoon Kajiki. The powerful storm had earlier caused severe disruptions, halting travel and raising safety concerns across coastal cities. However, as conditions improved, authorities confirmed that services were gradually being restored.
The weakening of Typhoon Kajiki has allowed key routes to reopen, bringing relief to residents and travelers. Flights, trains, and road networks that had been suspended for safety are now resuming step by step. This return of normal transport signals a major shift in the region’s stability.
Moreover, the resumption of services along China’s south coast highlights the importance of preparedness and quick response. Travelers are urged to remain alert, but the restoration of transport provides hope for smoother journeys. The region’s ability to resume operations after Typhoon Kajiki reflects resilience and coordinated recovery efforts.
Broader Implications for Global Travel
Commentators reflected that the aftermath of Typhoon Kajiki served as a reminder of how fragile the global travel network could be in the face of natural disasters. Analysts explained that even though the typhoon was centered on Hainan and Guangdong, the ripple effects extended beyond China’s borders.
They suggested that international travelers had been forced to adjust plans, with many facing delays, cancellations, or even rerouted itineraries. Seasonal storms in Asia, they noted, continued to challenge the predictability of global tourism. Yet the rapid reopening of ports and airports demonstrated resilience and sent a reassuring signal to the wider travel industry.
A few global lessons were highlighted:
- Natural disasters can disrupt travel plans almost instantly.
- The swift reopening of transport hubs helps restore trust in destinations.
- Travelers visiting storm-prone regions must remain adaptable and aware.
Experts concluded that the ability of Hainan and Guangdong to reopen key facilities within hours showed strong recovery capacity. However, they also warned that the damage to utilities such as water, power, and communication networks underlined the need for further investment in resilient infrastructure.
Road Damage and Environmental Impact
Reports confirmed that Sanya and Lingshui saw widespread road damage following the storm. More than 20,000 trees had either been uprooted or severely damaged, blocking highways and local roads. Clearing operations were described as urgent, as restoring free movement was essential for both daily life and tourism.
The environmental toll was considered severe, illustrating the sheer destructive power of Kajiki. Commentators noted that damaged roadways and fallen trees not only hampered relief efforts but also prevented visitors from accessing popular destinations. Analysts emphasized that restoring road networks was vital for connecting airports, hotels, and tourist attractions, ensuring travelers could return without facing long delays.
Water Services Disruption
Officials stated that in Sanya, more than 7,000 households lost access to clean water immediately after the storm. Out of these, approximately 5,000 homes were still awaiting service restoration in the days following the typhoon.
Analysts pointed out that the water shortage posed challenges not only to local communities but also to the hospitality sector, which depends heavily on uninterrupted water supply for visitors. Hotels and tourist facilities, they said, struggled to maintain normal operations. Commentators observed that the disruption highlighted how basic utilities were often the most vulnerable during extreme weather events, making rapid repairs crucial for ensuring visitor comfort and safeguarding public health.
Power Supply Restoration
The restoration of electricity was described as one of the highest priorities in recovery efforts. More than 3,000 technicians were deployed across Hainan Province, supported by 438 emergency vehicles and power-generation units to repair damaged electrical systems.
Observers explained that the storm-related outages disrupted normal activities across the province, including hotels, restaurants, and other facilities that served tourists. Commentators added that without electricity, even airports and ports faced interruptions, proving how closely tied energy stability was to the wider travel sector.
Experts underlined that restoring power was not just about providing comfort for residents but also about safeguarding the tourism economy, since the entire industry depended on reliable and continuous energy supplies.
Communication Services Impact
Analysts reported that the storm caused widespread damage to communication systems. More than 2,722 cell towers were knocked offline, cutting off service to around 45,000 landline users and 15,000 mobile customers.
This lack of connectivity created challenges for both locals and international travelers who relied on phones and internet access to arrange transport and accommodation. Observers emphasized that restoring communication quickly was vital for maintaining traveler confidence.
Experts pointed out that in modern tourism, uninterrupted access to mobile networks and the internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Without it, visitors struggle to navigate, book services, or even contact family. For this reason, communication restoration was ranked as a critical part of recovery efforts.
Large-Scale Emergency Response
The Hainan provincial government launched an extensive emergency response once the storm subsided. More than 10,000 personnel, including members of the military, police, and fire services, were mobilized to assist with relief and recovery.
In addition, more than 1,000 sanitation workers from nearby cities were deployed to clear debris and restore public spaces. Emergency relief packages were distributed to some of the worst-affected areas, including Sanya, Lingshui, and Ledong.
Commentators explained that this large-scale mobilization reflected a clear commitment to rapid recovery. Observers added that such visible efforts reassured both locals and international travelers that the region remained safe, resilient, and prepared to welcome visitors back.
Airport Operations Resume
One of the most significant developments came from Sanya Phoenix International Airport, which announced that it had fully resumed operations. While some flights were still operating on adjusted schedules, travelers were advised to confirm details before departure.
Analysts described the reopening of Sanya Airport as a turning point in the recovery. As the principal gateway connecting Hainan Island with international destinations, its resumption was seen as a symbolic moment when tourism could begin to recover fully. Commentators said that for many foreign visitors, the reopening offered reassurance that travel plans could be salvaged, even after severe disruption.
Ports Reopen in Haikou
Reports confirmed that the three major ports in Haikou City, the capital of Hainan, had reopened by 6:00 p.m. on Monday. Priority was given to more than 1,900 trucks that had been left stranded during the suspension of services.
Officials estimated that it would take around 10 hours for port operations to normalize completely. Observers noted that the reopening was essential for both cargo shipments and passenger transport, since ports formed an important hub for restoring confidence in regional infrastructure.
Maritime Traffic Resumes in Qiongzhou Strait
By Monday evening, maritime traffic across the Qiongzhou Strait had resumed. This narrow but vital waterway links Hainan Island to mainland China and serves as one of the most crucial trade and passenger routes.
During the storm, a backlog of more than 5,000 trucks had built up on both sides of the strait. Clearing this congestion became the first priority once services restarted.
Commentators emphasized that the strait’s smooth functioning was vital not only for restoring trade but also for ensuring the steady flow of supplies supporting the tourism economy. For international travelers, the strait was described as a lifeline connecting the island to the rest of the region. Its reopening was therefore welcomed as an early signal of restored stability.
Impact on Travel and Tourism
Officials confirmed that more than 102,500 people in Hainan Province had been affected by the storm. Even though no fatalities were reported, the disruption was considered significant.
Analysts remarked that the event once again highlighted how fragile global travel could be when faced with sudden natural disasters. Travelers worldwide experienced interruptions to schedules, delays, and cancellations, proving that international tourism remained vulnerable to seasonal storms.
Experts predicted that the tourism markets in Hainan and Guangdong would eventually recover, though the pace of progress might be slowed by damaged infrastructure and interrupted utility services. Still, confidence in the region’s ability to host visitors was said to be steadily improving.
Regional Storm Path
Reports explained that Typhoon Kajiki, the 13th named storm of the year, struck the coast of Hainan late on a Sunday night before moving westward toward Vietnam. Its route carried it toward the northern and central coasts of the country.
By 9:00 a.m. Monday, officials confirmed that despite significant disruption, Hainan Province had reported no fatalities. Commentators described this as a fortunate outcome, given the scale of the storm and the level of damage it caused.
