Typhoon Wutip made landfall near Dongfang City in the Chinese mainland's Hainan Province late Friday, marking the first major storm of the season. The Hainan Meteorological Service reported sustained winds of 30 meters per second at its core, with authorities across Hainan, Guangdong, and Guangxi mobilizing emergency protocols to mitigate damage.
Coastal regions bore the brunt of the storm, with Ledong Li Autonomous County experiencing 10-level gusts that forced a power plant shutdown. In Sanya's Tianya Haijiao tourist area, evacuated crews watched as towering waves battered wharves. Maritime rescue teams saved 12 crew members from a stranded cargo ship early Friday, deploying seven vessels and four helicopters across the South China Sea.
Local governments prioritized civilian safety and supply stability. Haikou City stockpiled 4,500 tonnes of vegetables, with retail manager Zeng Jimei vowing to maintain operations: "We'll adjust deliveries based on demand to ensure affordable produce." Zhanjiang City in Guangdong closed all schools and prepared evacuation routes for vulnerable communities.
China upgraded its flood and typhoon response to Level IV, dispatching specialist teams to high-risk zones. Railway operators suspended select coastal routes as precaution. "All our daily needs are met here," remarked a Haikou resident, reflecting localized preparedness efforts.
