Heavy Rainfall and Typhoon Wutip's Impact on Southern China

On June 14, 2025, the southern region of China, particularly Beihai in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, faced significant rainfall as Typhoon Wutip made its first landfall of the year. In response to the typhoon, which is unusual for its timing and intensity, various Chinese authorities gathered to implement safety measures aimed at curtailing potential impacts from heavy rainfall predicted to affect southern areas of the country.

The situation worsened as Wutip made a second landfall along the western coast of Leizhou in Guangdong Province, prompting several cities to raise their rainstorm alerts early on Sunday morning. Specifically, reports indicated that this typhoon developed later than usual, but its landfall was notably early, contributing to its substantial inland penetration. Tragically, a landslide in the Guangxi region resulted in the deaths of three people, highlighting the severe consequences of the heavy rain.

The Guangdong province's meteorological observatory reported that Wutip’s core made landfall at noon on Saturday, with winds reaching maximum force 11. In the wake of the storm, the Yunfu meteorological observatory issued a red alert for rainstorm conditions, denoting the most serious warning level, while Shaoguan issued an orange alert for impacted districts later that morning.

Local residents reported significant impacts, particularly in the Yun'an district, where water accumulation was a concern following nearly eight hours of heavy rain. Rescue teams were deployed to aid affected areas, with some reports indicating that conditions began to improve by mid-morning on Sunday. However, other areas near the rivers experienced severe damage due to the relentless rainfall.

Despite its relatively low wind intensity, Typhoon Wutip's ability to maintain moisture and heat has resulted in extended periods of rain, according to public health experts. Over the weekend, several waterspouts were also documented but thankfully did not lead to additional reports of damage. The heavy rains continued to wreak havoc in other parts of Guangxi, with streams leading to mudslides that trapped individuals in various villages.

In response to the natural disaster, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Emergency Management allocated financial resources to aid Guangdong and Guangxi provinces, targeting emergency support and relocation efforts for those affected. Moving forward, Wutip is expected to influence areas further inland, including Jiangnan and the Yangtze River Delta, with continued rainfall predicted. Experts emphasized the importance of vigilance in monitoring such weather systems, urging that even less intense storms require consistent oversight to mitigate risks.