A tropical depression made landfall in China’s Hainan province early Thursday (June 26), bringing heavy rainfall to an area still recovering from Typhoon Wutip, which struck two weeks earlier. According to the National Meteorological Centre, the depression hit near the city of Wenchang and is expected to pass over the northeastern part of the island before re-entering the South China Sea. It will likely make a second landfall in Guangdong province, gradually weakening during its journey, as reported by state broadcaster CCTV.

This new weather system adds pressure to regions already struggling with storm damage. Typhoon Wutip, which swept through the area between June 13 and 15, caused widespread flooding, killed five people, and forced the evacuation of hundreds of thousands. The storm also destroyed roads and farmland, adding to the economic toll.

Experts link the increasing frequency and intensity of such storms to climate change, warning that these events are overwhelming China’s ageing flood control systems. The densely populated Guangdong province, along with the inland regions of Guangxi and Hunan, will face renewed threats from flooding and storm damage.

Chinese authorities now face the difficult task of managing recovery efforts while bracing for additional weather impacts. The current tropical depression is a stark reminder of the growing risks posed by extreme weather, and the urgent need for improved infrastructure and preparedness in vulnerable regions.