China’s Multi-Tier Early Warning System Shields Millions from Typhoon Wipha

The Joint Early Warning Mechanism, developed through decades of practical experience, was put into action with an emphasis on the core principle of “people first, life first.”

As Typhoon Wipha, the sixth of the season, battered China’s southern coast and unleashed torrential rainstorms in northern regions in mid-July 2025, the country’s advanced early warning and disaster response infrastructure was fully mobilized. China’s multi-tier, integrated early warning system—anchored in government leadership, inter-agency coordination, and public engagement—demonstrated its effectiveness in minimizing human and economic losses.

The Joint Early Warning Mechanism, developed through decades of practical experience, was put into action with an emphasis on the core principle of “people first, life first.” The system combines predictive precision, real-time coordination across departments, and public communication strategies to ensure rapid and inclusive responses to extreme weather threats.

Mobilizing at All Levels: The Power of Localized Alerts

In Guangdong Province, where Wipha made landfall, meteorological departments were quick to respond. The Guangdong Provincial Meteorological Service issued 5,540 warning signals at the town level, including 3,200 rainstorm alerts and 14 red warnings for severe thunderstorms and gales, covering 27 towns and districts. These warnings triggered action by 248 designated responders, who coordinated safety measures and community evacuations. More than 59,000 targeted SMS alerts were sent to key personnel, alongside 1,211 flash messages.

For instance, in Xinhui District of Jiangmen, local authorities distributed 17 detailed weather forecasts to ferry crossings and fishing ports, reaching 765 residents through a variety of platforms including WeChat and SMS. The region’s “31631” progressive warning mechanism ensured layered alerts—town to province—while facilitating coordinated local action.

Hainan’s Marine Response: Technology and Reach

The Hainan Provincial Meteorological Service employed satellite technology and digital communication platforms to protect its maritime sector. Over 275,000 marine forecasts and alerts were sent via the Beidou Navigation Satellite System, while the China 12379 Emergency Warning Platform issued 33 targeted alerts to more than 27,000 registered fishermen. In total, nearly 395,000 public weather alerts were disseminated across the island.

On July 19, proactive measures ensured that all fishing boats in Changjiang Li Autonomous County safely returned to port. Images captured at Haiwei and Xingang fishing ports showed a synchronized, orderly retreat of vessels as they sought shelter from strong winds.

Unified Response Through Inter-Agency Coordination

From July 18 to 20, China sent 624 million SMS warnings across 21 cities in Guangdong alone, engaging meteorological, maritime, emergency management, and transportation departments. This massive outreach covered 62.4 million people, resulting in:

• The safe return of 523 fishing vessels to port

• The evacuation of 1,482 offshore wind energy workers

• The relocation of 9,272 aquaculture workers

• The safe removal of 1,282 personnel from marine ranches

• The closure of 52 coastal tourist destinations for public safety

In Yangjiang, Guangdong, a white typhoon warning was upgraded to blue, prompting an influx of fishing boats into Zhaopo Fishing Port for shelter. The city’s swift response was indicative of a broader, unified strategy to minimize risk across the coastal zone.

In Hainan, upgraded typhoon alerts led to the evacuation of 230 vessels and 393 maritime workers using real-time messaging, social media channels, and on-site notifications.

Regional Collaboration: Building a Cross-Border Defense Wall

Recognizing the transnational nature of weather systems, China activated its bilateral emergency coordination mechanism with Vietnam on July 19. The World Meteorological Centre Beijing and the Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration exchanged real-time forecasts regarding Typhoon Wipha’s trajectory, intensity, rainfall, and potential secondary disasters such as floods and landslides.

Collaboration also extended to the National Meteorological Centre, Guangdong Provincial Observatory, and Guangxi Meteorological Services, strengthening regional resilience as Wipha moved inland and into the Beibu Gulf, affecting northern and central Vietnam.

Science and Innovation: The Role of UAVs in Forecasting

Advanced technology played a pivotal role in enhancing situational awareness. The “Haian-1” Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) was deployed to conduct high-altitude data collection during the storm. The UAV released 34 sondes into Wipha’s peripheral cloud systems, generating over 61,000 vertical-resolution data profiles. These profiles included critical meteorological measurements such as temperature, wind speed, atmospheric pressure, and humidity—offering scientists real-time insights into the storm’s behavior.

This technological edge allowed Chinese meteorologists to “capture” and predict Wipha’s changing profile with greater accuracy, enhancing early warning reliability and emergency planning.

Toward a Climate-Resilient Future

China’s integrated early warning system stands as a model of proactive governance in the face of increasing climate extremes. The Wipha response effort—spanning SMS alerts, satellite navigation, UAV surveillance, and cross-border coordination—reflects how innovation, leadership, and civic participation can together save lives.

As UAVs like “Haiyan” prepare to monitor future storms, and as collaborative platforms deepen international cooperation, China’s commitment to climate resilience and disaster risk reduction remains resolute. This evolving defense mechanism is not only a national priority—it’s a global beacon for building safer, more adaptive societies in an era of intensifying weather threats.