China is preparing for the impact of Typhoon Kajiki, the 13th tropical storm of the year, which is gaining strength as it advances towards the country&rsquo;s southern coastline.
A Level-IV emergency response has been activated in Hainan Province as the storm system edges closer to land. Authorities have mobilised emergency teams, while local administrations are reinforcing flood defences and preparing evacuation measures in vulnerable zones.
At 11 a.m. on Saturday, Kajiki&rsquo;s centre was tracked about 650 kilometres east of Sanya City, moving westward at up to 25 km/h. Meteorologists warn its intensity is likely to strengthen significantly, raising the prospect of severe winds and torrential rainfall. Earlier on Saturday, the typhoon was already producing winds of 18 metres per second with a central pressure of 998 hPa.
The storm is expected to make landfall or pass near the southern coast of Hainan on Sunday evening, before continuing towards Vietnam&rsquo;s central and northern coastal provinces. In preparation, China&rsquo;s National Meteorological Centre has issued a yellow alert, warning of heavy to torrential rain across parts of Hainan, the Xisha and Zhongshaislands.
China operates a four-tier emergency response system, with Level I being the most severe. Weather alerts also follow a four-colour scale, with red the highest and yellow indicating significant but less severe risk.
This marks the latest in a series of storms battering the region this season. In recent weeks, Typhoon Podul struck Taiwan, while Co-May disrupted life in Shanghai. Each event has tested local preparedness, highlighting the mounting pressure on disaster response systems as typhoon season intensifies.
With Kajiki&rsquo;s strength projected to rise, residents, fishermen, and coastal communities are being urged to stay alert, secure shelters, and heed official advisories as China braces for another landfall.

High tides lash China’s coast as Typhoon Kajiki nears

Level-IV emergency declared as Kajiki nears Hainan, heavy rain and strong winds expected

China braces for powerful Typhoon Kajiki

Level-IV emergency declared as Kajiki nears Hainan, heavy rain and strong winds expected

August 23, 2025 | 15:55 IST