Late Friday night, Typhoon Wutip—the first typhoon of the year—made landfall near Dongfang City in south China’s island province of Hainan. By impact, it had weakened to a severe tropical storm, packing maximum sustained winds of 30 meters per second and a central pressure of 980 hectopascals.
Local authorities across Hainan Province, Guangdong Province and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region sprang into action. In Hainan’s Ledong Li Autonomous County, gusts reached level 10, forcing a power plant to suspend operations to protect its infrastructure.
At Tianya Haijiao wharfs in Sanya City, strong winds and towering waves prompted the marine bureau to evacuate all crew and secure small vessels ashore. Meanwhile, the South China Sea Rescue Bureau deployed seven vessels and four helicopters to save lives; in the early hours, teams rescued 12 crew members from a cargo ship caught in the storm’s path.
Concerned about food supply, Haikou City pre-stocked roughly 4,500 tonnes of vegetables. "This retail outlet will stay open during the typhoon," said Zeng Jimei, deputy manager of a local vegetable shop. "We’ll adjust deliveries based on demand to ensure affordable, safe produce." A local resident added, "We don’t need to leave our community, because all our basic daily needs are met here."
To safeguard students, Zhanjiang in Guangdong closed schools citywide and prepared to relocate residents in vulnerable areas. Multiple coastal rail services in southern China also adjusted or suspended operations for safety.
On Friday, the Chinese mainland raised its flood and typhoon emergency response from Level III to Level IV for southern coastal provinces. Specialist teams are now on standby to assist with disaster prevention and emergency rescue. As Wutip moves inland, communities remain vigilant, showcasing coordinated efforts and resilience in the face of extreme weather.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
