Typhoon Wutip, the first typhoon of the year, made landfall near Dongfang City in south China’s Hainan at around 11 p.m. on Friday, sparking a flurry of emergency responses 🚨. Though it has weakened to a severe tropical storm—with 30 m/s winds and a central pressure of 980 hPa—its impact is still very much being felt.
In Hainan’s Ledong Li Autonomous County, gusts reaching level 10 have forced a local power plant to suspend operations, highlighting the storm’s intense power. At the popular wharfs of Tianya Haijiao in Sanya City, fierce winds and massive waves have urged the local marine bureau to evacuate crew members and secure smaller vessels, ensuring safety at this beloved tourist spot.
Maritime search and rescue operations are in full swing. The South China Sea Rescue Bureau has deployed seven rescue vessels and four helicopters, already rescuing 12 crew members from a stranded cargo ship caught in Wutip’s path 🚁.
Local authorities are leaving no stone unturned. In Haikou City, Hainan, approximately 4,500 tonnes of vegetables have been stockpiled to guarantee a stable supply and steady prices, with one resident noting, "We don't need to leave our community, because all our basic daily needs are met here." Meanwhile, in Zhanjiang, Guangdong, schools have been closed citywide, and officials are prepared to relocate residents from vulnerable areas if necessary.
With Hainan Province, Guangdong Province, and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region all ramping up safety measures and raising emergency response levels from Level III to Level IV, communities across south China are bracing for further challenges. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this developing event and remember to stay safe! 🌟
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
