China and the Philippines are facing widespread devastation after Typhoon Wipha tore through the region, bringing torrential rains, violent winds, and massive flooding that have crippled transportation and forced tens of thousands from their homes. As the storm made landfall in China’s Guangdong province following days of intensified monsoon rains in the Philippines, flights were grounded, roads submerged, and entire communities displaced. The severe impact has paralyzed regional travel and triggered emergency response operations in both nations, marking one of the most destructive weather events in recent months.

Typhoon Wipha Makes Landfall in Southern China, Disrupts Travel and Forces Mass Evacuations Across the Region

Typhoon Wipha made landfall on the southern coast of China in Taishan, Guangdong province, on Sunday evening, triggering widespread disruptions across Hong Kong, Macau, southern China, and the Philippines. The storm affected regional air travel, public transportation, and residential areas, with authorities responding by issuing high-level weather alerts and initiating large-scale emergency procedures.

At approximately 5:55 p.m. local time on Sunday, Typhoon Wipha reached the coastline in Taishan. The storm brought strong winds and heavy rainfall. According to official weather data, wind speeds reached up to thirty meters per second during the storm’s peak. Shortly after landfall, the typhoon weakened into a severe tropical storm, but continued to cause damage across the region.

In the hours leading up to its landfall, Wipha had already impacted Hong Kong with severe weather conditions. Heavy rain and high winds affected much of the city, particularly northern districts near the mainland. The Hong Kong Observatory issued warnings for additional rain and strong gusts, noting that the weather system would likely continue to affect the area for several more hours.

In North Point, a district along Hong Kong’s northern shoreline, intense winds caused large sections of construction scaffolding to collapse from a residential building. The debris fell onto adjacent roads, blocking lanes and requiring emergency response teams to clear the affected areas.

Operations at Hong Kong International Airport experienced extensive delays and cancellations as a result of the storm. Around five hundred flights were cancelled, while approximately four hundred others were rescheduled for later departures or arrivals. Nearly eighty thousand travelers were affected throughout the day. Airlines operating in and out of Hong Kong responded by waiving ticket change fees and initiating rebooking procedures for impacted passengers.

Cathay Pacific, a major international carrier based in Hong Kong, suspended all flights scheduled between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday. This measure was taken to ensure safety as the storm passed through the region. In addition, most forms of public transportation were suspended, including ferry services, due to rough seas and safety concerns.

On the mainland, authorities in Guangdong and Hainan provinces issued high alerts as Wipha moved inland. Several major cities across southern China, including Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Macao, experienced widespread flight cancellations or delays. Airlines and airport operators announced the suspension of all daytime flights on Sunday in response to the severe weather conditions. Emergency teams were placed on standby to address potential flooding, fallen debris, and infrastructure damage.

Wipha’s influence extended beyond China and Hong Kong. In the Philippines, the typhoon intensified the southwest monsoon, resulting in several days of persistent rainfall. According to the country’s disaster management authorities, two people were reported missing as a result of flooding and related incidents.

More than three hundred seventy thousand individuals in the Philippines were affected by the prolonged adverse weather conditions. Among them, over forty-three thousand were displaced from their homes and relocated to temporary shelters or the homes of relatives. Floodwaters inundated low-lying neighborhoods, while landslides were reported in hilly and mountainous areas.

Rescue and relief operations were activated in affected regions, focusing on evacuation, shelter, food distribution, and medical assistance. Emergency services remained on alert for further developments, particularly in regions at risk of additional landslides or river overflows.

Across all affected territories, local meteorological agencies continued to monitor the progress of Wipha. Despite weakening after landfall, the storm remained a threat due to sustained rainfall and wind gusts. Additional flooding risks and transport disruptions were anticipated, especially in areas with already saturated ground or unstable terrain.

In the aftermath of the storm’s landfall, authorities urged residents in high-risk zones to stay indoors, follow emergency advisories, and avoid non-essential travel. Coastal defenses and drainage systems were placed under close observation, and repair teams were dispatched to affected sites to restore blocked roads and damaged infrastructure.

China and the Philippines are reeling from Typhoon Wipha’s destructive path, which halted travel, flooded cities, and displaced tens of thousands across both nations. The storm’s impact has triggered a regional emergency with mass flight cancellations and widespread infrastructure damage.

Typhoon Wipha marked one of the more severe tropical systems to affect the region in 2025, highlighting the need for ongoing preparedness across East and Southeast Asia. The storm’s effects were felt simultaneously in air transport, urban infrastructure, and humanitarian safety, requiring coordination across aviation, government, and emergency response sectors.