Typhoon Maysak Triggers Severe Flooding, Nanning City In China On High Alert

The city of Nanning in southwestern China has been placed on its highest flood-control emergency alert after Typhoon Maysak triggered intense rainfall, rapidly rising river levels, and pressure on reservoir systems across the Guangxi region. Authorities have escalated response measures as meteorologists warn of potentially catastrophic flooding due to continued heavy precipitation linked to the weakening storm system.

Typhoon Maysak, which earlier brought damaging winds exceeding 80 km/h to parts of Vietnam and China’s Hainan province, has now weakened into a slow-moving tropical storm. Despite the reduction in wind intensity, officials have cautioned that the system continues to carry large amounts of atmospheric moisture. As it moves inland, this moisture is being released in the form of prolonged and concentrated rainfall, significantly increasing flood risks in already saturated regions.

According to the China Central Television (CCTV), Nanning authorities raised the flood-control emergency response to Level I, the highest possible alert, from Level III due to “extremely heavy rain.” The decision reflects escalating concerns over water accumulation in major rivers, drainage systems, and reservoirs across the city and surrounding areas. Nanning, a major urban centre with a population of nearly nine million, has been placed under continuous monitoring as emergency protocols are activated.

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State-run Xinhua News Agency reported that a breach occurred at a medium-sized reservoir in Hengzhou, a county administered under Nanning. The breach has heightened fears of downstream flooding, prompting immediate evacuation efforts in nearby localities. Authorities have deployed emergency response teams to assess structural damage, reinforce weakened embankments, and manage controlled water discharge from nearby reservoirs to reduce pressure on the system.

Local officials have warned that although Maysak is weakening, its slow inland movement significantly increases the duration and intensity of rainfall over affected regions. Continuous downpours are expected to further elevate river water levels, particularly in low-lying areas and urban zones with limited drainage capacity. Meteorological agencies have also cautioned that secondary flooding could occur if additional rainfall persists over already waterlogged terrain.

Emergency services in Nanning have been placed on high alert, with rescue teams, disaster response units, and water management authorities coordinating closely to mitigate potential damage. Residents in vulnerable areas have been urged to evacuate where instructed and to avoid movement near rivers, reservoirs, and flood-prone zones. Local authorities have also issued warnings about landslides and infrastructure instability in rural and hilly regions surrounding the city.

The situation has placed significant strain on local disaster preparedness systems, as officials balance reservoir management, urban flood control, and evacuation operations simultaneously. Drainage infrastructure in several districts is being monitored for overflow risks, while temporary shelters have been set up to accommodate displaced residents if conditions worsen.

Meteorologists have reiterated that the primary danger associated with Typhoon Maysak at this stage is not wind but sustained rainfall and water accumulation. As the storm continues to weaken further inland, its lingering moisture is expected to keep triggering heavy rain bands across Guangxi and neighbouring provinces. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and strictly follow safety advisories as emergency operations continue. With water levels still rising in multiple areas, officials say the situation remains highly fluid, and further escalation of flood risks cannot be ruled out in the coming days.

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