Typhoon Wutip, the first typhoon of 2025, struck south China’s Guangdong Province on June 14, unleashing heavy rains that triggered a landslide in Lian’er Village, Xinyi City. Thanks to early warnings and swift action by local authorities, all 57 residents were safely evacuated before disaster struck.
The typhoon made landfall near Zhanjiang City at 12:30 a.m., bringing torrential downpours across the region. By 4 a.m. on June 15, continuous rainfall had destabilized slopes in Lian’er Village, leading to a landslide that could have been catastrophic if not for the timely evacuation.
On June 13, the Maoming Natural Resources Bureau and Maoming Meteorological Bureau jointly issued a Level II geological disaster risk warning for Xinyi City. Acting on this alert, emergency services and local officials conducted comprehensive risk assessments using detailed hazard prevention maps.
During a midnight patrol on June 15, inspectors noticed abnormal movements on a slope and immediately reported the imminent threat. Authorities wasted no time, evacuating all 57 villagers before the landslide occurred. No casualties were reported, highlighting the importance of disaster preparedness and responsive governance.
“Early warnings and immediate action saved lives,” said a local official. “We prioritized the safety of our residents above all else.”
Following the incident, the area was sealed off, and patrols were deployed to ensure continued safety. Assessment teams were dispatched for on-site evaluations to prevent further hazards.
China operates a four-tier warning system for geological disasters, with Level I being the most severe. The prompt response to Typhoon Wutip in Guangdong underscores the effectiveness of this system and serves as a reminder of the value of vigilance and community cooperation in the face of natural disasters.
