What Should Residents Know as Typhoon Wipha Approaches?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Typhoon Wipha is approaching Guangdong, prompting a Level IV emergency response.
- Heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected from Saturday night.
- Authorities have mobilized resources to protect coastal areas.
- The situation is being monitored closely by provincial meteorological services.
- Residents are advised to stay informed and prepared.
Guangzhou, July 18 (NationPress) The Guangdong Province in South China has activated a Level IV emergency response at 6 pm on Friday as Typhoon Wipha approaches, as reported by the provincial flood control and drought relief headquarters.
The provincial meteorological observatory has indicated that Wipha is progressing in a west-northwest direction at speeds between 20 to 25 kilometers per hour while intensifying. It is anticipated to reach the South China Sea early Saturday and is likely to land between western Guangdong and the Pearl River Delta on July 20.
From Friday evening to Saturday, scattered thunderstorms with strong winds are expected due to Wipha. The most significant impacts are forecasted from Saturday night through Monday, with heavy rainfall likely across southern and central Guangdong, including the potential for extreme precipitation in the western areas and the densely populated Pearl River Delta.
Officials have initiated a comprehensive emergency response, deploying rescue vessels, anti-pollution ships, and helicopters on standby, with all efforts concentrated on protecting coastal communities and ensuring the safety of residents in the vicinity, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
China has established a four-tier emergency response system for typhoons, with Level I being the most critical.
Previously, on July 9, Typhoon Danas, the fourth typhoon of the year, made its third landfall in the coastal area of Rui’an City, located in Zhejiang Province, East China.
This followed Danas' initial landfall in Taiwan on July 7, and its second strike in Dongtou District of Wenzhou, also in Zhejiang, on July 8.
Last month, various Chinese authorities convened to implement precautionary measures in anticipation of Typhoon Wutip, which was expected to deliver heavy rain to southern regions of the country.
Wutip, the first typhoon of the year, made its first landfall in Dongfang City in Hainan, south China, on June 13.
Due to the intense rainfall triggered by the typhoon, the Ministry of Water Resources activated a Level-IV emergency response to flooding in Zhejiang Province along China's eastern coast. The ministry also urged local authorities to closely monitor weather conditions and effectively utilize water conservancy infrastructure to protect lives and property.