Storms Batter Southern China After Wipha’s Landfall
A day after Typhoon Wipha struck, powerful storm conditions continued to pummel southern China’s mainland on Monday, July 21, 2025—sending officials scrambling to address flash flooding, landslides, fallen trees and travel chaos.
Lingering Rain and Rising Risks
China’s national meteorological agency reported intense rainfall along the Guangdong coast, particularly in Yangjiang, Zhanjiang, and Maoming. These downpours followed the typhoon’s weakening to a tropical storm after making landfall late Sunday evening in Taishan city. State broadcaster CCTV noted that over 20 rivers exceeded flood-warning levels as torrent waters surged through the region . Authorities have issued urgent alerts for additional flash floods and landslides through Tuesday morning across coastal and mountainous areas, including Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and Fujian provinces
Impact in Hong Kong and Surrounding Regions
On Sunday, high winds and torrential rains wreaked havoc in Hong Kong. Over 110 mm of rain fell in just three hours, wind gusts exceeded 167 kph, more than 470 trees were felled, scaffolding collapsed, and public transport—including ferries—was halted Nearly 280 residents took refuge in shelters, and 26 suffered injuries that required medical treatment. Hong Kong International Airport cancelled or delayed around 400 flights—disrupting about 80,000 travellers—while Cathay Pacific halted services from early morning until late afternoon . Macau issued level‑8 typhoon warnings and activated flood alerts in inner harbour areas
Coastal Shutdowns and Rapid Recovery
Guangdong and Hainan authorities enforced strict traffic controls on expressways and ports linking Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Hong Kong, temporarily suspending train services and ferry operations . By Monday night, many restrictions were lifted as waters receded and lodgements resumed. Nonetheless, emergency alerts remain in effect for secondary disasters such as landslides or river overflows
Forecast and Forward Path
Meteorologists forecast continued heavy rainfall penetrating coastal and inland zones well into Tuesday. The weakening typhoon is expected to glide southwestward along Guangdong’s coast, gather strength over the warm waters of the Gulf of Tonkin late Monday, and make landfall on northern Vietnam’s shoreline on Tuesday Vietnam has already declared an emergency along its northern coast, with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh instructing evacuation protocols, infrastructure fortification, and food and water supply mobilization
Broader Regional Ramifications
Wipha’s effects were felt across East Asia: in the Philippines, it intensified monsoon rains causing widespread displacement; in Taiwan, it triggered heavy showers; and in South Korea, ongoing storms resulted in fatalities and missing people . Northern Vietnam also grappled with a maritime disaster just days earlier, when a tourist boat drowned in Ha Long Bay amid powerful weather.
Emergency Response and Preparedness
Local authorities in southern China and Hong Kong deployed emergency crews to clear debris, shore up riverbanks, and restore essential services. Public advisories continue urging residents to steer clear of swollen rivers, heed evacuation orders, and avoid travel across vulnerable mountain roads. Coastal communities were especially warned about storm surges and sudden landslips.
Looking Ahead
As Wipha moves into northern Vietnam, its remnants could bring prolonged rainfall and further flooding. The storm’s journey underscores the region’s vulnerability during peak typhoon season and demonstrates the importance of robust early warning systems, coordinated emergency preparedness, and international cooperation. Most crucially, minimizing loss of life and disruption will depend on sustained vigilance and timely responses.