Chinese authorities in Hainan have evacuated thousands of residents, closed schools, and suspended rail services in preparation for the arrival of Typhoon Wutip on Friday. More than 16,000 people have been relocated from vulnerable areas, while over 40,000 workers on boats have been moved ashore.

State broadcaster CCTV footage showed the impact of the storm with palm trees swaying violently and trees blocking roads. Workers were seen clearing debris amidst heavy rain. China National Offshore Oil Corporation employees were also shown leaving ships and waiting at ports to board buses.

According to Xinhua, Wutip is expected to bring heavy rain exceeding 100mm to six cities and counties, along with winds up to 101 km/h. High-speed rail services in Hainan have been halted, schools in Sanya closed, and all flights at the airport suspended.

Wutip, the first typhoon to hit China this year, formed over the South China Sea on Wednesday. It is forecasted to make landfall along the coast from western Guangdong to Guangxi on Saturday, maintaining severe tropical storm intensity before weakening and turning northeastward.

Guangdong has raised its emergency response level, preparing rescue vessels and tugboats for potential emergencies. Over 49,000 fishing boats have returned to ports with 10,000 crew members coming ashore.

China has been experiencing extreme weather events including heatwaves, droughts, heavy rains, and floods in recent years. The country, a major greenhouse gas emitter, aims to achieve net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2060.

Last August, Typhoon Gaemi caused severe rainfall and flooding in eastern China, resulting in casualties and missing individuals.