Tropical Storm Wipha, which has already wreaked havoc in Taiwan and the Philippines, is expected to become a typhoon on Sunday (July 20) when it hits the southern coast of China. Authorities throughout the region are preparing for the storm’s arrival, including flight and ferry cancellations in Taiwan and the possibility of disruptions in Hong Kong and southern China.

The storm, which has been tracking long the western Pacific, wreaked havoc when it swept through the Philippines on Saturday. In a dramatic demonstration of the storm’s power, a billboard-like structure in Quezon City, north of Manila, fell on top of a parked truck, crushing it as strong winds blew across the city of more than three million people. Howling with sustained winds of 101 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 126 kph, Wipha unleashed all its fury as it passed south of Taiwan.

In Taiwan, where some areas recorded more than 20 centimeters of rainfall, including in Hualien and Taitung counties, on the island’s eastern coast, authorities also said they were preparing for casualties. Ferry routes were suspended while many flights were cancelled due to heavy rain and powerful winds. A total of 14 ferry services were suspended by rough seas, while several domestic flights were grounded as a precaution against deteriorating weather patterns.

The storm was gaining strength as it moved westward and was forecast to become a typhoon by the time it made landfall on southern China, the Central News Agency of Taiwan reported. As its arrival drew closer, authorities across the Taiwan Strait, including Fujian province on China’s eastern coast, prepared for more ferry suspensions and bad weather. The government warned people to remain safe and prepare for potential flooding and storm surges in coastal areas.

Effect on Taiwan and the Philippines

Taiwan, already reeling from heavy winds and rains from Wipha, experienced widespread transportation problems. Flooding in various parts of the island led the government to tell citizens to stay inside, particularly along the east coast, which faced the brunt of the storm. Cancellation of ferries was not the only hit on the travel industry. Numerous flights were canceled, and the public transport system was running at limited capacity.

Wipha caused significant damage in the Philippines, where the Philippines National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) issued a flash floods and landslides warning in the affected areas. In Quezon City, officials reported that a huge billboard collapsed, falling on a parked truck, damaging it beyond repair. Some of the country’s infrastructure and houses were affected, but fortunately, there were no deaths in this specific case. The Philippines’ weather agencies continued to track the storm as it pushed its way out of the Philippines and nearer the South China Sea, where it was expected to bring more rain and hazardous conditions to the area.

Hong Kong and Southern China Stare Down Typhoon’s Approach

As Wipha heads toward southern China, officials said in Hong Kong that they were preparing for gale-force winds and rain, as well as possible flooding in low-lying areas on the coast. The Hong Kong Observatory hoisted a signal alerting to possible storm surges and reminded people to take the necessary precautions, especially in low-lying, flood-prone parts. The forecast suggests Wipha will get closest to Hong Kong overnight, with winds picking up as it comes closer to the storm.

The cancellation of all flights arriving or departing between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday was made out of safety concerns linked to the storm, Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s flagship airline, said in a statement. The airline is offering to waive ticket change fees for affected passengers, who can reschedule their trips to the affected areas around the disruptions. Authorities are also bracing for the shutdown of critical infrastructure, such as a 30-kilometer bridge linking Hong Kong to Macao, which is expected to be sealed overnight.

On Hainan, a popular beach resort island in China, officials have also already halted operations at three major ports in Haikou, the provincial capital. The move was a safety procedure in anticipation of the powerful winds and heavy sea conditions of the rapidly strengthening storm. Officials are also keeping an eye on local conditions: Hainan is among the most important tourist and maritime commerce hubs in southern China.

Typhoon Strengthened as Wipha Heads West

As Wipha heads towards Hong Kong and southern China, meteorologists are saying there is a chance of the storm developing into a typhoon. The China National Meteorological Center said the storm would bring heavy rain and strong winds to the southern coastal areas and warned there could be flooding in low-lying areas. Although the storm is likely to lose strength after moving into Vietnam and Laos, it would still threaten infrastructure and communities in the region.

Authorities in Vietnam have already been informed of the oncoming typhoon and are getting ready for the bad weather, which is expected to include heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds. The storm moving through the area is anticipated to pose major problems for local governments as they ready to handle the aftermath of the storm.

The Future of Wipha’s Path

As the storm rages across the western Pacific, the direction it is heading is a cause of concern for millions throughout the region. With high winds, torrents of rain, and the potential for flooding, residents in its path should take precautions and heed official guidance.

While Wipha is expected to lose steam as it heads from the coast, the storm is already biting, and governments in its way are working hard to limit damage and find shelter for residents. The impact of the tropical storm was felt widely across Taiwan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and southern China, with flights, ferries, and infrastructure all shut down in various places during the storm. As it makes its way across the area, Wipha serves as a daily reminder of the force of nature and that residents should be prepared for such a formidable storm.

(Source: Taiwan Central News Agency, Hong Kong Observatory, Philippines NDRRMC, China National Meteorological Center)