BEIJING, China – Typhoon Bavi has made landfall in eastern China’s Zhejiang province, bringing heavy rain, flooding and transport disruptions as the region continues recovering from Typhoon Maysak, which struck earlier in the week. Typhoon Bavi reached the coast near Yuhuan and Taizhou in Zhejiang late Saturday night, July 11, with maximum winds near its center reaching 144 kilometres per hour. The storm triggered flash floods in several areas, while strong gusts brought down numerous large trees.
Hundreds of flights were cancelled, high-speed rail services and ferry operations were suspended, and several schools temporarily closed due to the dangerous conditions. No major damage or injuries had been reported as the storm moved inland and was expected to gradually weaken while travelling northwest. Before the storm arrived, Zhejiang authorities evacuated more than 1.7 million people from high-risk areas. Shanghai authorities also relocated around 34,000 residents from coastal and vulnerable zones.
Although Beijing is located far inland, the capital experienced heavy rainfall that prompted the evacuation of more than 100,000 people. Authorities also increased water releases from the Miyun Reservoir to manage rising water levels. Before reaching China, Typhoon Bavi intensified the southwest monsoon and caused severe weather across parts of Asia. In the southern Philippines, landslides and flash floods in Mindanao and nearby provinces killed at least 18 people, while more than 11,000 residents were forced to move to evacuation centres. The storm also passed close to northern Taiwan, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and widespread damage. More than 170,000 households lost electricity, and at least 113 people were reported injured.
In Japan, Typhoon Bavi struck the Sakishima Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, causing widespread power outages. More than 200 flights were cancelled, affecting over 26,000 passengers.
Typhoon Bavi became the second major storm to hit China within a week, following Typhoon Maysak, which affected several southern regions, particularly Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Maysak brought severe flooding and landslides, killing more than 40 people and affecting over 130,000 residents. Authorities across affected regions continue monitoring weather conditions and warning residents to remain alert as the storms’ impacts continue. (TNA)
