WENZHOU: Chinese authorities have evacuated more than 600,000 people as Typhoon Bavi approaches the country’s eastern coast, prompting large-scale emergency measures to protect residents from heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds.
According to state media, more than 500,000 people were evacuated from Zhejiang Province, where the coastal city of Wenzhou is located, while more than 100,000 residents were moved to safety in neighbouring Fujian Province.
The typhoon is expected to make landfall near Wenzhou, a city of approximately 10 million people, during the early hours of Sunday.
Storm Weakens but Remains Dangerous
Although weather officials say Typhoon Bavi has gradually weakened as it moves northwest over cooler waters, it continues to pose a serious threat due to the enormous amount of moisture it carries.
Meteorologists warn that the storm’s extensive rain bands, stretching across an area roughly the size of France, could trigger widespread flooding, landslides, and other weather-related hazards even if wind speeds continue to decrease.
Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain indoors and follow official safety instructions until the storm has passed.
Residents Prepare for the Storm
Many residents spent Saturday making final preparations before the arrival of the typhoon.
Fifty-year-old Wenzhou resident Huang Xinghuan said his family had stocked enough drinking water and basic supplies for several days but remained confident in the authorities’ preparations.
“We’ve been through typhoons before, and I think we’ll get through this one as well,” he said, adding that there was no need for panic buying because supplies remained readily available.
Another resident, Chen Qiuqin, said she was visiting her elderly parents to help secure loose items around their home, including flower pots on the balcony, before the storm arrived.
She said she was reassured by the extensive preparations made by local authorities but wanted to ensure her parents were ready for the severe weather.
Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines Also Affected
Before approaching China, Typhoon Bavi brought heavy rain and powerful winds to Japan’s southern Sakishima Islands and passed close to northern Taiwan.
While neither Japan nor Taiwan has reported fatalities directly linked to the typhoon so far, Taiwan’s authorities said 87 people had been injured, most of them in weather-related accidents such as falls from bicycles or motorcycles or being struck by debris.
In the Philippines, officials reported that 17 people died after heavy rainfall associated with an intensified southwest monsoon, which was worsened by the influence of Typhoon Bavi.
Taiwan Implements Extensive Precautions
Although the typhoon did not make landfall in Taiwan, authorities introduced widespread precautionary measures.
More than 14,000 residents, mainly from mountainous and landslide-prone regions, were evacuated as forecasts warned of up to one metre (three feet) of rainfall in some areas.
Transportation was also significantly disrupted. Authorities cancelled 920 international flights and 282 domestic flights, while most cities and counties declared a typhoon holiday, closing schools, government offices, and many businesses.
Taiwan’s north-south high-speed rail service continued operating on a reduced schedule to maintain essential transportation.
Authorities Remain on High Alert
Emergency management agencies across eastern China remain on high alert as Typhoon Bavi approaches the mainland.
Officials have mobilised rescue teams, emergency shelters, and disaster response resources, while closely monitoring weather conditions and water levels in rivers and coastal areas.
Authorities are urging residents to follow evacuation orders, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay informed through official weather advisories until the danger has passed.
With millions of people living along China’s eastern coastline, officials say preparedness and timely evacuations remain critical to minimising the storm’s impact and protecting lives.
