China Braces for Typhoon Hongxia With Emergency Measures

China is preparing for the arrival of Typhoon Hongxia, the 12th named storm of the 2026 Pacific typhoon season, as multiple government agencies deploy flood control and disaster response measures across the country’s southeastern coast. The Central Meteorological Observatory issued a Yellow Typhoon Warning on the evening of July 23, alongside a Blue Rainstorm Warning and a Yellow Severe Convective Weather Warning, according to CCTV.

Storm Formation and Forecast

A tropical depression formed east of the Philippines in the early morning of July 23, located about 1,020 kilometers east of Manila. The system is expected to intensify into Typhoon Hongxia within 12 to 24 hours, with maximum sustained winds projected to reach 33–40 meters per second (12–13 grade, typhoon level), Xinhua News reported.

The typhoon is forecast to make landfall between Zhuhai, Guangdong, and Zhangpu, Fujian, on the evening of July 25 through the morning of July 26. After landfall, it is expected to gradually turn north-northwestward and weaken. The Central Meteorological Observatory predicts that 2–3 typhoons will form in the Northwest Pacific and South China Sea over the next 10 days, with one expected to enter the northern South China Sea around July 25 and affect southern China.

Emergency Response Activation

Following a comprehensive assessment and emergency consultation, the China Meteorological Administration activated a Level III (Major Meteorological Disaster) emergency response for typhoon, rainstorm, and severe convective weather on July 23–24, as reported by CCTV News. The response level indicates the government’s assessment of significant risk to life and property.

Authorities have issued defense guidelines urging government departments to perform typhoon prevention and emergency rescue work according to their responsibilities. Ships in affected waters have been directed to return to port for shelter, while outdoor large gatherings and high-altitude dangerous operations have been suspended. The Bashi Channel, southern waters east of Taiwan, the Taiwan Strait, and the northeastern South China Sea are expected to experience winds of 6–8 grade with gusts reaching 9–10 grade through July 24.

Active Typhoon Season

Typhoon Hongxia will be the third typhoon to make landfall in China in 2026, following Typhoons Maysak and Bavi. Typhoon Maysak made landfall in Hainan on July 3, causing significant flooding in Guangxi, including two reservoir breaches in Hengzhou. Typhoon Bavi intensified into a super typhoon shortly after Maysak.

The active season comes as no surprise to Chinese authorities. On July 6, the National Disaster Prevention, Mitigation and Relief Committee, together with the Ministry of Emergency Management, Ministry of Water Resources, and the China Meteorological Administration, held a joint consultation on July disaster risks. The Ministry of Emergency Management concluded that July marks the critical flood control period, with disaster risks becoming more severe and complex, and forecast 2–3 typhoons would make landfall or affect China’s coastal areas.

Dual Disaster Context

The typhoon preparations come as China is simultaneously managing the aftermath of a 5.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Mojiang County, Yunnan Province, on July 21. The earthquake, with a depth of 6 kilometers, prompted rescue and relief operations, with the Ministry of Water Resources activating an earthquake relief command mechanism. The China Railway Kunming Bureau conducted safety inspections on the China-Laos Railway following the quake, according to China News Service. No casualties were initially reported.

This dual disaster scenario places additional strain on national-level emergency response resources, as authorities must coordinate simultaneous relief efforts for earthquake-affected areas in the southwest and typhoon preparedness along the southeastern coast.

Implications and Outlook

The projected landfall area along the Guangdong-Fujian coast includes densely populated urban centers and major economic zones, raising concerns about infrastructure damage and economic disruption. July is also a critical period for summer crops, meaning the typhoon could cause significant agricultural damage in southern China.

The name “Hongxia” (红霞), meaning “red clouds” or “sunset,” was contributed by North Korea and replaces the retired name “Pongsona,” which was removed from the naming list after causing significant economic damage to Guam in 2002.

As the storm approaches, local governments in Guangdong and Fujian are expected to implement evacuation and preparedness measures. With the Central Meteorological Observatory predicting additional typhoon activity in the coming days, China’s disaster response systems face sustained pressure throughout what is shaping up to be an exceptionally active typhoon season.