First 2026 China Landfall: Maysak Unleashes Catastrophic Floods Across Guangxi
Typhoon Maysak became the first typhoon to make landfall in China during the 2026 season, bringing extreme rainfall, severe flooding, thunderstorms, and tornado activity across parts of East Asia. The 10th typhoon of 2026 formed over the western Pacific on July 1 before moving through the South China Sea and affecting the Philippines, Hainan, Vietnam, and southern China. Maysak reached its peak intensity near the northern South China Sea with maximum sustained winds of 28 meters per second and a central pressure of 985 hPa when it strengthened into a strong tropical storm. After moving inland, the storm caused widespread flooding in Guangxi, prompting large-scale evacuations and emergency response across the region.
Western Pacific Formation: Maysak’s Westward Push Toward Hainan
Maysak originated as a tropical depression on July 1, 2026, over the western Pacific near 14.2°N, 118.5°E. The system developed east of the Philippines and was monitored closely as it moved westward toward the South China Sea. Philippine authorities tracked the system under the local name Henry as it passed through the Philippine monitoring area before entering waters farther west.
The storm remained a tropical depression during its early movement, with winds increasing from 15 meters per second to 18 meters per second as it approached the South China Sea. By July 3, Maysak strengthened further while moving near Hainan Island, reaching wind speeds of 23 meters per second.
Maysak made its first landfall at Lingshui, Hainan, on July 3 at around 18:20 local time while maintaining tropical storm intensity. Strong winds and heavy rainfall affected parts of Hainan, disrupting transportation and bringing hazardous conditions to coastal communities.
After crossing the waters near the Gulf of Tonkin, Maysak continued moving west-northwest toward the coast of northern Vietnam. The storm absorbed warm tropical moisture from the South China Sea, and heavy rainfall spread toward Vietnam, Guangxi, and neighboring areas as the circulation approached land.
Guangxi Landfall: Peak Intensity and the Rainfall Engine
Maysak reached its strongest stage on July 4, 2026, while approaching the coast near Vietnam and southern China. According to China Meteorological Administration monitoring data, the storm intensified into a strong tropical storm at 17:00 UTC, reaching maximum sustained winds of 28 meters per second and a minimum central pressure of 985 hPa.
At around 21:00 on July 4, Maysak made its second landfall in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam, as a strong tropical storm. The system then moved inland toward Guangxi, China, where its circulation continued producing intense rainfall.
The storm’s strongest effects in China came from prolonged precipitation. Heavy rain caused rivers to rise quickly, flooded low-lying communities, and affected urban and rural areas around Nanning and Hengzhou. Guangxi authorities activated emergency flood responses, raising measures to Level I as water levels increased across affected river systems.
Maysak became the first landfalling typhoon in China during the 2026 season, but its main damage came from water rather than extreme coastal winds. The combination of tropical moisture, terrain, and swollen waterways produced dangerous flooding conditions across southern China.
Flood Emergency in Guangxi: Rivers Rise as Communities Face Rapid Inundation
The most severe disaster impacts occurred in Guangxi, where intense rainfall from Maysak caused sudden flooding in villages and cities. In Renhe village and other communities near Nanning, residents reported rapidly rising water that submerged homes and forced families to evacuate.
Floodwaters entered residential areas within a short period, leaving some residents trapped inside houses and requiring rescue by emergency teams. Many affected communities experienced power and communication disruptions, while rescue workers used boats to reach isolated residents.
Nanning and surrounding areas recorded widespread inundation as rivers overflowed and drainage systems struggled to handle the rainfall. Thousands of residents were evacuated, and emergency authorities organized rescue operations, medical support, and supply distribution.
The flooding also damaged farmland, roads, and local infrastructure across Guangxi. China’s emergency agencies coordinated disaster relief efforts as rainfall continued to affect already saturated areas.
Maysak’s rainfall extended beyond Guangxi, with thunderstorms and severe weather affecting other parts of China. In Hubei Province, hundreds of kilometers from the storm’s landfall area, severe convective weather produced tornadoes and additional damage.
Inland Aftermath: Tornadoes Strike Hubei as Remnants Push North
After crossing southern China, Maysak weakened into a tropical depression, but its remaining circulation continued generating unstable weather conditions inland. The combination of warm moisture and atmospheric instability contributed to thunderstorms across central China.
Hubei Province experienced tornado activity linked to the storm’s remnants, adding another hazard beyond the flooding in Guangxi. The event showed how tropical cyclones can produce dangerous weather far from their original landfall locations.
Across East Asia, authorities continued monitoring weather conditions as Maysak’s remnants moved northward. Vietnam experienced heavy rainfall during the storm’s second landfall period, while the Philippines had monitored the system earlier under its local designation Henry.
Japan remained outside the direct impact zone of Maysak, although regional weather agencies continued tracking broader tropical activity over the western Pacific. The storm’s main affected areas were concentrated in the Philippines’ monitoring region, Hainan, northern Vietnam, Guangxi, and inland parts of China.
By July 6, Maysak had weakened into a tropical depression near 26.9°N, 110.7°E, with winds dropping to 15 m/s and central pressure rising to 998 hPa.
Final Dissipation: Maysak’s Deadly Toll and $3.28 Billion in Damage
Maysak dissipated after moving deeper into mainland China following its July 1 formation over the western Pacific. The storm’s track included development east of the Philippines, passage through the South China Sea, a first landfall in Hainan, a second landfall in Vietnam, and final weakening over China.
The disaster response continued after the storm weakened, with flooding remaining the primary threat in Guangxi. Reports recorded dozens of deaths, large-scale evacuations, extensive property damage, and major economic losses estimated at approximately $3.28 billion.
Chinese emergency agencies maintained flood control operations as communities recovered from submerged roads, damaged homes, and disrupted services. Rescue teams continued assisting affected residents while authorities assessed damage across flood-hit areas.
By July 6, Maysak had weakened into a tropical depression near 26.9°N, 110.7°E, with winds dropping to 15 m/s and central pressure rising to 998 hPa.