Authorities evacuate hundreds of thousands, suspend transport and issue emergency warnings as Typhoon Bavi approaches China’s eastern coast after battering Japan’s southern islands and skirting northern Taiwan.
WENZHOU: Chinese authorities evacuated more than 600,000 people on Saturday as Typhoon Bavi approached the eastern coastal city of Wenzhou after bringing heavy rain and strong winds to Japan’s southern Sakishima Islands and passing north of Taiwan.
The typhoon, though gradually weakening over cooler waters, remained a significant threat due to the large volume of moisture it carried. Forecasters said Bavi was expected to make landfall near Wenzhou, a city of about 10 million people, early Sunday.
How is China preparing for Typhoon Bavi?
Chinese state media reported that more than 500,000 residents were evacuated from Zhejiang province, where Wenzhou is located, while over 100,000 people were moved to safety in neighboring Fujian province.
Authorities issued warnings for heavy rainfall, flooding and damaging winds as emergency response measures were activated across the affected regions.
Residents also made last-minute preparations before the storm’s arrival.
“I’m a little worried, but I think it’ll be OK. We’ve been through typhoons before. We’ll get through it,” Wenzhou resident Huang Xinghuan said while shopping for groceries before markets closed.
He said his family had stored enough drinking water for several days but saw no reason for panic buying.
What impact has the storm had on Taiwan?
Although Typhoon Bavi did not make landfall in Taiwan, authorities evacuated more than 14,000 people, mainly from mountainous areas in the north and east, after forecasts warned of up to one metre of rainfall in some locations.
The storm severely disrupted transportation, with 920 international flights and all 282 domestic flights cancelled, effectively shutting down Taiwan’s main international gateway at Taoyuan International Airport.
Most cities and counties declared a typhoon holiday on Saturday, closing government offices and schools, although some businesses remained open in Taipei. Taiwan’s high-speed rail service continued operating on a reduced schedule.
Taiwan’s fire department reported 87 injuries, most caused by falls from motorcycles and bicycles or by flying debris.
What damage has the storm caused elsewhere?
Authorities in Japan reported heavy rain and strong winds across the Sakishima island chain but no fatalities.
In the Philippines, however, officials said 17 people were killed after heavy rains intensified by Typhoon Bavi strengthened the southwest monsoon, causing widespread flooding.
What is expected next?
Meteorologists said Typhoon Bavi would continue moving northwest before making landfall near Wenzhou early Sunday.
Chinese authorities remain on alert for flash flooding, landslides, storm surges and coastal damage as emergency services prepare for the storm’s arrival.