Massive Evacuations in China Due to Typhoon Bavi
China has undertaken the evacuation of nearly two million residents as Typhoon Bavi, a significant storm, made landfall. This event marks the second major typhoon to impact the region within a week.
Initially reaching the coastal city of Taizhou on Saturday evening, the typhoon continued its path to Wenzhou around midnight. The storm, spanning a width of 1,000 kilometers, which is comparable to the size of France, has moved through various territories, including a series of remote Japanese islands, and caused substantial rainfall over Taiwan.
Impact Across Regions
Prior to reaching China, Bavi triggered landslides in the Philippines, resulting in at least 17 fatalities. As it approached China, the storm, despite having reduced to a severe tropical storm, still posed a considerable threat due to the substantial moisture within its rain bands.
The typhoon's center reached Hangzhou in Zhejiang province by Sunday morning, according to Chinese state media. Predictions indicate the storm will move to eastern Anhui by Monday and reach the northern Yellow Sea from the Shandong Peninsula by Tuesday.
Precautionary Measures
Authorities in Zhejiang have evacuated over 1.7 million individuals, while thousands more have been relocated in neighboring provinces. Educational institutions, workplaces, and outdoor activities in the region have been temporarily halted. Additionally, 400 flights and several train services have been cancelled.
Wenzhou, a city with a population of around 10 million, is particularly vulnerable, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of its residents. Local resident Li Liangxing described the frightening experience of hearing roof tiles and tree branches being blown off during the storm.
Beijing has coordinated the evacuation of 100,000 people as a precautionary measure against potential risks.
International Effects
Typhoon Bavi started as a super typhoon, impacting Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands with winds reaching 290 km/h. As it proceeded through the Pacific, it weakened, affecting the Sakishima Islands in Japan. This resulted in injuries to five individuals and left thousands without electricity. Although Taiwan did not experience a direct hit, heavy rainfall posed a threat of landslides, causing thousands to be displaced.
Despite the severe weather, neither Japan nor Taiwan has reported fatalities. However, Taiwanese officials warned of potential rainfall up to one meter, leading to flight cancellations and the suspension of classes. Residents prepared by stocking up on essentials, leaving supermarket shelves bare.
Recent Typhoon Challenges
This storm follows closely on the heels of Typhoon Maysak, which recently devastated southern China, causing at least 39 deaths and significant agricultural damage. Maysak also generated rare tornadoes in Hubei province.
Source: Original Article
