Authorities in China have evacuated more than 600,000 people as Typhoon Bavi approaches the country`s eastern coast, following its passage through Japan and northern Taiwan. The Chinese meteorological agency has issued an orange typhoon alert, the second-highest level, as the storm tracks toward the densely populated city of Wenzhou in Zhejiang province. Officials expect the typhoon to make landfall early Sunday, bringing significant rainfall and gale-force winds to the region.
The massive evacuation operation has seen over half a million people relocated in Zhejiang province alone, with an additional 100,000 moved to safety in neighboring Fujian province. Beyond the evacuations, authorities have suspended hundreds of flights and curtailed rail services to minimize risk to the public. Many schools and ferry services have also been halted as the region braces for the impact of the storm. Despite the typhoon weakening since it moved through the US Pacific islands earlier in the week, meteorologists warn that it remains a serious threat due to the high volume of moisture in its rain bands.
In Fujian province, local officials in Ningde city confirmed that more than 3,700 people were moved from high-risk coastal areas by Friday evening. Emergency preparedness is at a peak, with over 17,000 rescue workers on standby across the affected regions. While some residents expressed cautious optimism about weathering the storm, the administration is taking no chances, ensuring that food and water supplies are stocked in preparation for potential power outages and transport disruptions.
The regional impact of the weather pattern has been severe. In the Philippines, at least 17 people were killed after heavy monsoon rains, compounded by the typhoon`s influence, triggered landslides. Taiwan has also faced significant disruption, with the Central Weather Administration reporting at least 36 injuries, largely related to motorcycle accidents on wet roads. Approximately 14,210 people were evacuated across the island, and public services, including schools and offices, were closed.
Japan has not been spared, with more than 200 flights canceled across the Okinawa prefecture. Authorities there have warned of high waves and storm surges affecting the Sakishima island chain. This wave of extreme weather follows the recent recovery efforts in China’s southern provinces of Hainan and Guangxi, which are still struggling with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Maysak. That storm claimed 39 lives in Nanning after a dam breach caused catastrophic flooding. As Typhoon Bavi continues its course, the focus remains on civilian safety and mitigating the impact on critical infrastructure.
