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A powerful weather system, Typhoon Bavi, has made landfall in China, prompting the evacuation of nearly two million residents from affected regions in its path. This severe storm marks the second significant weather event to impact the country within a week, as it continues to wreak havoc from its initial approach through the Pacific.
Typhoon Bavi’s Path of Destruction
Typhoon Bavi, which stretches approximately 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) at its widest point—comparable to the width of France—first made landfall in Taizhou, a coastal city in Zhejiang province, on the evening of 11 July. Following this initial impact, it struck Wenzhou shortly after midnight, local time, continuing to threaten communities along its trajectory.
The storm, which had previously battered a series of remote Japanese islands, unleashed torrential rainfall on Taiwan as it grazed its northern coast. Tragically, the Philippines has already reported a death toll of at least 17 due to landslides triggered by the storm.
Evacuations and Preparations Intensify
As the storm progressed, the scale of the evacuations grew. Over 1.7 million individuals were instructed to leave their homes in Zhejiang, with thousands more in adjacent provinces following suit. In response to the imminent danger, authorities suspended classes, halted work activities, and cancelled outdoor events across the region. The impact on transport has been significant, with 400 flights and numerous train services grounded in anticipation of the storm.
Wenzhou, a city that is home to around 10 million people, is particularly vulnerable. Local resident Li Liangxing expressed the fear felt by many, stating, “We could hear roof tiles and tree branches falling; of course, we were scared.” In a precautionary measure, Beijing ordered the evacuation of 100,000 individuals from areas at high risk.
A Weakened but Dangerous Storm
Although Typhoon Bavi has weakened to a severe tropical storm, it remains a significant threat due to the substantial moisture content within its rain bands. On the morning of 12 July, reports indicated that the storm’s centre had reached Hangzhou City in Zhejiang province, with forecasts predicting its movement towards eastern Anhui by Monday and into the northern Yellow Sea from the Shandong Peninsula by Tuesday.
Initially classified as a super typhoon, Bavi struck Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands with winds exceeding 290 km/h (180 mph) before diminishing to 144 km/h as it approached Japan’s Sakishima Islands. While the storm has not claimed lives in Taiwan or Japan, it has caused injuries and left thousands without power. Taiwanese officials had anticipated Bavi could deliver rainfall amounts reaching up to 1 metre (39 inches), leading to widespread cancellations of flights and school closures as residents prepared for the worst.
Aftermath of Previous Storms
The recent turmoil follows the devastation wrought by Typhoon Maysak earlier in the week, which resulted in the deaths of at least 39 individuals and significant agricultural losses due to livestock fatalities. Maysak also generated rare tornadoes in central Hubei province, further complicating recovery efforts.
Why it Matters
The impact of Typhoon Bavi underscores the increasing volatility of weather patterns in the region, exacerbated by climate change and urban vulnerability. The mass evacuation and infrastructure disruptions highlight the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and response strategies. As communities brace for the repercussions of this storm, the stakes are high—not only for immediate safety but also for long-term resilience against future catastrophic weather events.
