The approach of Kompasu, the most powerful typhoon to hit Hainan in five years, forced the cancellation of all flights, rail and ferry services, as well as the closure of all scenic spots in the tropical island province on Wednesday.

The 18th typhoon of the year, Kompasu made landfall on the coast of Boao, Qionghai in eastern Hainan island at 3:40 pm on Wednesday, with the maximum wind reaching 118 kilometers per hour, according to the National Meteorological Center.

Ferry operations across the Qiongzhou Strait, the only channel linking Hainan and Guangdong province, were halted from 7 am on Tuesday as a precaution against gales and torrential downpours, said the Hainan Maritime Safety Administration.

The shipping channel around the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge was closed to vessels at 12:30 pm on Tuesday as Kompasu gathered force, the maritime safety administration for the bridge announced.