1st Ld-Writethru: China's Hainan braces for Typhoon Sarika, hundreds evacuated

China's southern island province of Hainan is gearing up to guard against Typhoon Sarika, which is expected to make landfall on Tuesday, as hundreds of fishermen and construction workers have been evacuated to safe shelters.

Authorities in Hainan Province held an emergency meeting Sunday night to review precautionary measures. Provincial meteorological bureau chief Cai Qinbo said losses from the typhoon are expected to be "grave," as the tropical cyclone is projected to be the most powerful and destructive to land in Hainan in a decade.

According to the latest forecast, Typhoon Sarika, the 21st typhoon of the year, will enter southeast Hainan early Tuesday before landing between the cities of Qionghai and Sanya. The storm is expected to intensify into a super-typhoon upon landing.

Yongxing Island to the south of Hainan Island is the first to face off with the powerful cyclone. Six safe shelters have been established on the island to accommodate hundreds of fishermen and construction workers ordered to evacuate from their work sites.

Classes are suspended in kindergartens, middle and primary schools in eight counties of the province while tourist sites are closed to the public. Residents and tourists have been warned against hiking or strolling along the beaches.

Provincial authorities have also ordered safety checks of reservoirs, power and water supplies, while demanding the fishery and farming sectors take precautions.

High-speed trains connecting cities in Hainan will be suspended starting late Monday. In the nearby province of Guangdong, the local fishery department has called on all fishing boats traveling around Hainan Island and surrounding waters to moor at bay.

At the island's main civil airport, Meilan International Airport in the provincial capital Haikou City, five flights were canceled as of 1 p.m. Monday and airport staff made logistical preparations for large-scale flight cancellations. Endi