Southern Chinese provinces and cities braced for the arrival of super typhoon Yagi, shutting schools and postponing flights ahead of its expected landfall along Hainan's subtropical coast in what could be the most powerful storm to hit China in years.

The Super Typhoon Yagi made landfall on the Chinese island of Hainan, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the region.

Super Typhoon Yagi ripped roofs off buildings, sank boats and triggered landslides in Vietnam, leaving nine people dead as of Sunday, after tearing through southern China and the Philippines.

Typhoon Yagi has become one of the most intense typhoons to ever hit Vietnam, and it has left behind death and devastation, not only in that country but across the Philippines, Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland China.

Rescue operations using boats and helicopters, supported by Thai Navy SEALs, are underway to reach those trapped in flood-hit areas. Floodwaters have begun receding in some parts, but many riverside settlements remain submerged.

Typhoon Yagi, which hit Vietnam earlier this month, exposed the country's lack of preparedness for extreme weather and raised concerns more storms could hit the country this rainy season, experts told VOA.

Typhoon Yagi, the strongest in Asia this year, has caused an estimated VND50 trillion ($2 billion) in damages to Vietnam as of Wednesday, and the figure continues to climb.