Hurricane Wutip Wreaks Havoc, Evacs in China Near 100,000
Storm "Wutip" in China: Tens of Thousands Forced to Flee Homes
Get ready for a weather whirlwind! The tropical storm "Wutip" has forced over 100,000 people to pack their bags and hightail it out of southern China. Let's delve into the messy details.
The storm's epicenter began its journey on Hainan island, a tropical paradise, where over 16,000 individuals had to abandon construction sites, flood-prone zones, and risky landslide areas, according to Xinhua, the official news agency. But that's not all—the storm created a wave of evacuations affecting over 40,000 people working on ships and oil rigs too.
Don't just picture peaceful tropical islands and sandy beaches when you think of Hainan; severe storms like "Wutip" are a significant part of the region. As of June 14–15, 2025, Wutip has been a force to be reckoned with, causing widespread turmoil in the southern Chinese region.
CCTV, the Chinese national broadcaster, aired footage of the havoc wreaked by Wutip, showcasing fallen trees blocking roads and teams of hardworking individuals battling the elements during the heavy rain. Imagine the storm battering oil platforms, prompting workers to scramble for safety while lugging their belongings and huddling for bus rides at the harbor. High-speed train services in Hainan were also halted, and the futures of schools and tourist attractions hang in the balance.
Sanya, the city at the southernmost tip of Hainan Island, is no stranger to experiencing heavy storms. Schools and tourist attractions were shuttered, and all flights at the local airport were cancelled in an attempt to protect the citizens from the impending storm.
The storm known as Wutip is not messing around, as it's the first storm to make landfall this year in China. According to the Chinese Meteorological Administration, it is forecasted to make contact with China once more, this time between Guangdong and Guangxi provinces on Saturday. Get ready for some serious winds reaching up to an intimidating 100 kilometers per hour, and packed for rain in six cities and districts.
So, keep an eye on this stormy situation and stay safe, folks! As the storm churns through southern China, it'll bring rain, high winds, and uncertainty to the area.
Scientists are closely monitoring the environmental-science aspects of the approaching typhoon, Wutip, as it threatens China with tens of thousands of people potentially in its path. With science predicting winds reaching up to 100 kilometers per hour, understanding the weather patterns and storm surges will be crucial for the safety of the people and the environment.