Typhoon Bavi Strikes Eastern China, Over 2.8 Million Evacuated Amid Severe Weather

Typhoon Bavi, the most powerful storm to hit mainland China this year, made landfall on Saturday night, bringing heavy rain and violent winds to the eastern coast. As of Sunday, over 2.8 million people have been evacuated from affected areas, particularly in Zhejiang province, which is known for its economic and technological significance.

Impact of Typhoon Bavi

Bavi made its first landfall in Yuhuan, a coastal city in Zhejiang, around 11:20 PM local time (1520 GMT) on Saturday, before striking Yueqing, part of Wenzhou, shortly after midnight. By Sunday morning, the storm had weakened to a tropical storm as it moved inland, but meteorologists warned that the extensive storm system could continue to unleash prolonged rain across eastern and northern China in the coming days.

State media reports indicate that more than 2.2 million of the evacuees are from Zhejiang. Fortunately, there have been no official reports of deaths or serious injuries as a result of the storm.

Residents described the ferocity of the winds. A Yueqing local noted the sound of roof tiles and tree branches falling, expressing a mix of fear and familiarity with such storms due to their coastal location. The flooding in some areas reached alarming levels, with reports of water levels surpassing half the height of a vehicle tire.

Damage and Emergency Response

The storm caused significant damage in Yueqing, where over 1,300 trees were reported down, with more than 700 uprooted entirely. Emergency crews were deployed to clear streets littered with debris, using excavators and chainsaws to restore access. In the mountainous regions, landslides were reported, with large boulders blocking roads and swollen rivers submerging nearby vegetation.

In Kanmen, a fishing town in Yuhuan, local shop owner Lin Yongjin assessed the damage to his business, which faced the brunt of the storm. He reported that the storm caused over 6,000 yuan (approximately $885) in damages, including the collapse of metal frames supporting his shop’s entrance. Lin recounted a sleepless night spent dealing with flooding in his home, stating that this typhoon was particularly powerful, having made landfall directly in his area.

Transportation Disruptions

Typhoon Bavi also disrupted transportation networks across the region. In Taiwan, where the storm passed on Saturday, nearly 80 cm (31 inches) of rain fell in some areas, leading to 134 reported injuries, primarily from falls or being struck by objects. The Taiwanese transport ministry announced the cancellation of 137 international flights and 62 domestic flights on Sunday.

In China, major disruptions were reported in Zhejiang’s provincial capital, Hangzhou, where two major train stations suspended services and 327 flights were cancelled at Xiaoshan International Airport. Shanghai also experienced significant travel disruptions, with 1,620 train trips and 684 flights cancelled.

Future Weather Forecasts

By Sunday afternoon, Bavi had moved into eastern Anhui province and was expected to turn northeast before entering the northern Yellow Sea on Tuesday, according to the National Meteorological Center of China. The storm is anticipated to bring heavy to torrential rain across several provinces, including Jilin, Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, and Anhui, raising concerns about flooding in areas already saturated by previous rainfall.

In Qianxi County, Hebei province, nearly 190 millimeters (7.5 inches) of rain fell from Saturday to Sunday morning. Social media footage showed rescuers using inflatable boats to reach individuals stranded on partially submerged vehicles, highlighting the severe impact of the storm.

Experts caution that even as Bavi weakens, its extensive circulation can still generate destructive weather conditions far inland. Benjamin Horton, dean of the School of Energy and Environment at the City University of Hong Kong, noted that rapid intensification of typhoons complicates preparation efforts for communities and emergency management.

Scientists have warned that China may face an increase in extreme weather events this year, particularly with the anticipated emergence of the El Niño weather pattern, which can elevate temperatures and alter typhoon trajectories toward the coast.

For further details, visit the source: www.arnnewscentre.ae.

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Published on 2026-07-11 08:32:00 • By the Editorial Desk