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In a dramatic turn of events, China braces for the impact of Typhoon Bavi, marking the second major storm to make landfall within a week. With nearly two million residents evacuated from vulnerable regions, the storm, which has already wreaked havoc across the Pacific, continues to pose significant risks as it approaches the densely populated eastern coast.
Typhoon Bavi’s Path of Destruction
The powerful Typhoon Bavi, measuring approximately 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) at its widest point—equivalent to the entirety of France—first made landfall in the coastal city of Taizhou on Saturday evening. This was followed by a secondary landfall in Wenzhou around midnight local time (17:00 GMT). Prior to its arrival in China, Bavi wreaked havoc on several remote Japanese islands, particularly affecting the Sakishima islands, and caused severe weather in Taiwan, where heavy rainfall has led to widespread evacuations and rising landslide concerns.
Although Bavi has diminished from its initial status as a super typhoon, it still carries the potential for catastrophic rainfall. Officials are warning of “exceptionally heavy rains” forecasted for eastern Zhejiang province and northeastern Fujian province on Sunday. Authorities in these areas have acted decisively, with over 1.7 million evacuations reported in Zhejiang alone, alongside additional evacuations in neighbouring provinces.
Measures Taken by Authorities
In anticipation of the storm’s arrival, local governments have implemented a series of precautionary measures. Schools, workplaces, and outdoor activities in Zhejiang have been suspended, while nearly 400 flights and numerous train services have been cancelled to ensure public safety. The city of Wenzhou, home to approximately 10 million people, is on high alert, with officials evacuating hundreds of thousands of residents as a precautionary measure. Beijing has also mandated the evacuation of 100,000 individuals from at-risk areas.
Typhoon Bavi initially formed as a super typhoon, unleashing winds reaching 290 km/h (180 mph) upon Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands earlier last week. As it traversed the Pacific, the storm weakened to sustained winds of 144 km/h before its impact on Japan and Taiwan. While Taiwan escaped a direct hit, the storm still prompted significant evacuations and has left thousands without power, as heavy rains raised the spectre of landslides.
Ongoing Challenges from Previous Typhoons
The situation remains precarious as parts of southern China are still recovering from the devastation wrought by Typhoon Maysak earlier this week. Maysak resulted in the deaths of at least 39 individuals and inflicted considerable agricultural losses, as farmland was decimated and livestock fatalities were reported. Additionally, the storm produced rare tornadoes in Hubei province, further complicating recovery efforts.
Taiwanese authorities had issued warnings that Bavi could unleash up to 1 metre (39 inches) of rain, prompting residents to stockpile supplies as supermarket shelves were quickly emptied. Schools across the region have also suspended classes in anticipation of the storm’s arrival.
Why it Matters
The dual onslaught of Typhoons Bavi and Maysak underscores the increasing frequency and intensity of severe weather events in East Asia, driven by climate change. This situation not only threatens immediate human safety and infrastructure but also highlights the vulnerabilities in emergency preparedness and response mechanisms across the region. As authorities navigate these challenges, the long-term impacts on agriculture, community resilience, and economic stability will remain critical areas of concern.