Typhoon Batters South China, Triggering Evacuations, Flight Cancellations

(MENAFN) Chinese officials have evacuated thousands from flood-prone lowlands and canceled numerous flights as Typhoon Wutip battered the South China region, according to state-run media reports on Friday.

Marking the first typhoon of the year, Wutip prompted emergency responses in Hainan province, where 16,561 residents were relocated to safer areas, a news agency revealed.

In Guangdong province, over 49,000 fishing vessels returned to harbor, and roughly 10,000 crew members were brought ashore to safety. Rescue teams dispatched ships and helicopters to support emergency operations.

The Guangdong Provincial Meteorological Observatory issued warnings of intense rainfall from Friday through Monday, raising flood risks across the region. It also cautioned of potential tornadoes hitting parts of Guangdong between Friday and Sunday.

Thousands of fishing boats across South China have sought refuge or returned to port, with more than 40,000 fishermen evacuated to land, the agency confirmed.

On Thursday morning, Typhoon Wutip strengthened into a severe tropical storm, last recorded near Ledong Li Autonomous County in Hainan with wind speeds up to 101 km/h (62.7 mph), moving north at 5 to 10 km/h.

Early Friday, rescuers saved 12 crew members stranded on a vessel off Hainan’s coast.

In response, authorities shut down all kindergartens, schools, construction sites, and tourist attractions in Sanya city on Hainan Island. Since Thursday, all flights at Sanya Airport have been halted, alongside a suspension of rail services throughout the province.

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