Severe Storms Strike Southern China Following Typhoon Wipha's Impact

BEIJING: Severe storms drenched southern China on July 21, 2025, prompting emergency warnings for flash floods and landslides just a day after Typhoon Wipha battered Hong Kong. The storm system brought heavy rain to cities including Yangjiang, Zhanjiang, and Maoming in Guangdong province, following its landfall on Sunday evening.

According to the China Meteorological Administration, Typhoon Wipha weakened to a tropical storm upon making landfall. Nevertheless, it resulted in significant damage, particularly in Hong Kong, where high winds uprooted trees and damaged scaffolding, leading to the grounding of flights and the evacuation of nearly 280 individuals to shelters. The storm is anticipated to move southwest towards Vietnam, where further flooding and landslides are expected.

The national forecaster has issued alerts for coastal regions including Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and Fujian, predicting heavy rain until Tuesday morning. These regions are at risk of flash floods and landslides, with warnings emphasizing the potential for dangerous wind hazards. The storm is projected to enter the Gulf of Tonkin late Monday morning, intensifying before making landfall in northern Vietnam on Tuesday.

In response to the impending threat, Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has placed coastal provinces on high alert. His office has communicated urgent directives to prepare for possible flooding and landslides, urging local authorities to evacuate residents from flood-prone areas and ensure food and rescue preparedness. Chinh’s statement noted the storm’s rapid movement and described it as a strong typhoon, emphasizing the risks posed to mountainous and urban regions alike.

Airlines in Vietnam have proactively canceled flights in anticipation of the storm, with Vietnam Airlines and its affiliate Pacific Airlines canceling at least nine domestic flights, while budget carrier Vietjet scrapped 12 flights, including international routes to South Korea. The country's vulnerability to typhoons is underscored by historical data; in 2024, Typhoon Yagi resulted in approximately 300 fatalities and inflicted US$3.3 billion in damages.

The implications of Typhoon Wipha extend beyond immediate weather concerns. Enhanced preparation and response measures are critical to mitigate the impact on infrastructure and public safety in both China and Vietnam. As the storm moves forward, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, with humanitarian organizations preparing to assist in response efforts if necessary.

In conclusion, the unfolding situation serves as a stark reminder of the increasing severity of weather phenomena associated with climate change, highlighting the need for robust disaster preparedness and response strategies in vulnerable regions.