The statement did not say how long the communities will be closed.

Meanwhile about 500 flights to and from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and Shenzhen Baoan International Airport have been canceled as 9 am on Monday, authorities with local civil aviation department said.

The flights that have been canceled include 304 taking off or landing at Guangzhou and 184 to and from Shenzhen.

Many domestic and overseas airlines have canceled or otherwise changed flight plans to and from the cities and urged passengers who have been affected to get refunds or change their departure and arrival destinations.

Guangzhou Baiyun, an aviation hub, and Shenzhen Baoan are two major exit and entry international airports in Guangdong.