Southern China Prepares for Second Tropical Cyclone Amid Recovery Efforts

Southern China is bracing for a second tropical cyclone in as many weeks, as a tropical depression is forecasted to make landfall between Hainan Island and Guangdong province on Thursday, June 26, 2025. This impending storm follows closely on the heels of Typhoon Wutip, which struck the region from June 13 to 15, causing severe flooding, displacing hundreds of thousands, and resulting in five fatalities.

The National Meteorological Centre of China has indicated that the tropical depression is expected to make landfall between Hainan Island and Guangdong province on Thursday morning. The storm is anticipated to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to the region, potentially exacerbating the already strained flood defenses.

The provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hunan are still recovering from the aftermath of Typhoon Wutip. The new storm poses a significant threat to the flood defenses in these densely populated areas. On June 25, unusually heavy rains hit Rongjiang in Guizhou province, submerging much of the city, sweeping away cars, and damaging critical infrastructure such as the power grid. Downstream, rivers in Guangxi remain dangerously swollen.

Typhoon Wutip, which made landfall on Hainan Island on June 13, 2025, at a severe tropical storm level, had maximum sustained winds of 30 meters per second (119 km/h). This was only the second time in 70 years that Hainan experienced the nation's first typhoon of the year. The storm caused severe flooding, displaced hundreds of thousands, and resulted in five deaths.

In response to the devastation, China's economic planning agency has allocated 200 million yuan ($28 million) in emergency funds to aid ongoing disaster relief in Guizhou, Guangdong, and Hunan provinces.

China's National Meteorological Centre has warned that climate change may be intensifying rainfall and increasing the risk of catastrophic events like dam collapses. The agency emphasized the importance of preventing floods in small and medium-sized rivers, as well as mountain torrents in the affected areas, to ensure the safety of people's lives and property.

The consecutive storms have placed immense pressure on the affected regions, leading to mass evacuations, disruption of daily life, and significant economic losses. The repeated natural disasters underscore the vulnerability of these areas to extreme weather events and highlight the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure.

The occurrence of two significant tropical cyclones within a short period is unusual and places additional strain on the affected regions. The last time Hainan experienced the nation's first typhoon of the year was in 2008 with Typhoon Neoguri.

As the new storm approaches, authorities are on high alert, implementing measures to safeguard lives and property. The situation remains fluid, and residents in the affected areas are urged to stay informed and adhere to safety advisories issued by local authorities.