Typhoon Wipha Prompts High Alert in Southern China

Hainan and Guangdong provinces in South China are on high alert as Typhoon Wipha approaches, the sixth typhoon of the year. The storm is predicted to make landfall along the coast on Sunday afternoon or evening.

As of Sunday morning, the typhoon was located at 21.7 degrees north latitude and 114.9 degrees east longitude, with maximum wind speeds near its center reaching 33 meters per second. Meteorological forecasts indicate the typhoon is moving westward at approximately 25 kilometers per hour and is expected to intensify.

In Zhuhai City, Guangdong, where strong winds and heavy rainfall are anticipated, authorities have issued a red typhoon alert and elevated the emergency response to Level I. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge has been temporarily closed in response to the typhoon. Outbound customs clearance at Zhuhai Port was suspended, followed by the closure of the main bridge. School classes, transportation, and business activities have been suspended in Zhuhai, and residents have been advised to remain indoors.

Hainan province has raised its emergency response for flood and typhoon control from Level IV to Level III. Strong winds and rainstorms are expected to affect the island province from Sunday to Tuesday. In the provincial capital of Haikou, various departments are taking precautionary measures.

The maritime authority is conducting electronic inspections in affected waters, monitoring vessels, and deploying personnel for on-site checks. Water affairs departments are inspecting and maintaining drainage facilities, opening manhole covers, and setting up warning signs. The power department has stationed repair vehicles in key areas, and emergency plans have been activated for vegetable reserves to ensure market supply.

China utilizes a four-tier emergency response system, with Level I being the most severe. It also employs a four-tier color-coded weather warning system, with red indicating the most severe conditions.