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Key Points

Southern China prepares for Typhoon Wipha’s landfall between Shenzhen and Wenchang this weekend. Emergency responses have been upgraded as the storm brings torrential rains and 100km/h winds. Critical shipping routes like Qiongzhou Strait may halt operations for days. This follows Typhoon Danas’ triple landfall in Zhejiang earlier this month.

Key Points: Typhoon Wipha Threatens Hainan Guangdong With Heavy Rains

  • Hainan activates Level IV emergency as Wipha intensifies
  • Guangdong escalates to Level II with rescue teams on standby
  • Qiongzhou Strait faces extended shipping suspensions
  • Haikou warned of severe flooding amid 200mm rainfall forecasts
2 min read

China's southern provinces on alert as Typhoon Wipha enters South China Sea

Hainan and Guangdong brace for Typhoon Wipha as emergency levels rise, disrupting shipping and triggering flood warnings across South China.

"Wipha is advancing northwest at 20 km/h toward Shenzhen-Wenchang coast – Hainan Meteorological Service"

Haikou, July 19

South China's Hainan and Guangdong provinces were plunged into high alert as Typhoon Wipha entered the South China Sea, bringing strong gales and heavy rains to the two provinces.

Hainan activated a Level IV emergency response at 9 am Saturday, while Guangdong upgraded its emergency response from Level IV to Level II at 11 am.

According to the Hainan Meteorological Service, Typhoon Wipha intensified from a tropical storm to a strong tropical storm in the early hours of Saturday. At 8 am, its centre was located in the northeastern part of the South China Sea, approximately 930 kilometers east of Wenchang City of Hainan.

The Hainan Meteorological Service estimated that Wipha is advancing northwest at a speed of approximately 20 kilometers per hour while gaining strength. It is approaching the coastal areas stretching from Shenzhen in Guangdong to Wenchang in Hainan, and is likely to make landfall in these areas between Sunday afternoon and nighttime, Xinhua news agency reported.

Due to its impact, from Saturday to July 22, most sea areas and land regions in Hainan will experience rainstorms and strong winds. Additionally, the Qiongzhou Strait between Guangdong and Hainan may face prolonged suspensions of shipping operations from Sunday until July 22.

Haikou, the capital city of Hainan, may experience severe waterlogging. Meanwhile, Guangdong is bracing for strong thunderstorms, gales and tidal waves.

Additionally, Guangdong has maintained specialised rescue vessels and helicopters, along with high-power tugboats and cleanup vessels on standby.

China has a four-tier emergency response system for typhoons, with Level I being the most severe.

Earlier on July 9, Typhoon Danas — the fourth typhoon of the year — made its third landfall in the coastal area of Ruian City, in east China’s Zhejiang Province.

This landfall followed Danas’ initial strike in Taiwan early on July 7, and its second landfall in Dongtou District of Wenzhou, also in Zhejiang, on July 8.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
China's disaster preparedness seems quite organized with their tiered response system. India could learn from their coastal emergency protocols, especially for our eastern states that face similar cyclones every year.
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Arjun K
While the situation is serious, I wish media would also highlight how climate change is making these storms more frequent and intense. This isn't just China's problem - it's a global warning sign! 🌍
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Priya S
The article mentions rescue preparations but what about evacuation plans for common people? In Odisha during cyclones, we've seen how timely evacuations save thousands of lives. Hope China is doing the same.
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Nikhil C
Respectfully, while China's response seems efficient, we should also remember how they blocked international aid during COVID. Natural disasters need global cooperation, not political barriers.
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Kavya N
The Qiongzhou Strait suspension will impact trade routes. Our Chennai and Vizag ports should prepare for possible delays in shipments from this region. Logistics companies take note! âš“

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