Qiongzhou Strait
Nepartak inflicted widespread destruction on Hainan, including damage to farms and buildings. Most of the island was subject to strong winds and torrential rains, but the storm helped to relieve one of the worst summer droughts in almost 65 years. Due to the danger, shipping was halted in the Qiongzhou Strait between November 16 and 19. Nepartak impacted at least 1.72 million people on Hainan, compromised infrastructure, and impeded industry. The storm halted the operation of mines and rendered 72 highways temporarily unusable. Crops suffered extensively; of fields were damaged, reducing grain production by as much as 3,200 tons. In addition, 400 head of livestock were lost to the typhoon. With about 800 homes destroyed, damage on Hainan amounted to $197 million (2003 USD), and no fatalities were reported. Following the storm, a young male sperm whale weighing over 500 kg (1100 lb) washed ashore near Dongfang City on the island's southern shore, and died shortly after. Biologists speculated that the whale's demise may have been related to typhoon, although this was not confirmed.