As Typhoon Bavi approaches the eastern coast of China, authorities have evacuated hundreds of thousands of residents in anticipation of severe weather. storm, which is expected to make landfall near city of Wenzhou on Sunday morning, marks second typhoon to threaten the region within week .
Bavi, which spans approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) at its widest point,has already caused significant disruption in neighboring areas. After impacting a series of remote Japanese islands, the typhoon brought heavy rainfall to Taiwan,leading to widespread evacuations . Earlier this week, landslides triggered by the storm in Philippines resulted in the deaths of 17 individuals.
Despite weakening to a Category 1 typhoon with wind speeds of 144 kilometers per hour (90 miles per hour), Bavi remains a formidable threat due to the substantial moisture contained in its rain bands. The forecast indicates that eastern Zhejiang province and northeastern Fujian province could experience "exceptionally heavy rains," prompting officials to carry out evacuations as a precaution against potential disasters.
The city of Wenzhou,home to around 10 million people,lies directly in the storm's projected path. Local authorities have emphasized that the evacuations were conducted to prepare for worst-case scenario,underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Bavi began its journey as a super typhoon,with winds reaching 290 kilometers per hour (180 miles per hour) when it struck Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands last Monday. As it traversed Pacific, the storm weakened but still managed to injure at least five people and leave thousands without power in the Sakishima islands,part of Japan's Ryukyu island chain.
Although Taiwan escaped a direct hit, it faced heavy rainfall that forced thousands to evacuate their homes. Authorities warned of the risk of landslides, and schools across the region suspended classes in response to the storm's approach. Many residents rushed to supermarkets to stock up on supplies,leading to empty shelves.
In southern China, impact of Typhoon Maysak is still being felt, as region grapples with the aftermath of the earlier storm. Maysak claimed at least 39 lives and caused extensive agricultural damage, including the loss of livestock. The storm also generated rare tornadoes in central Hubei province, compounding challenges faced by local communities.
As Bavi nears landfall, the situation remains fluid, with authorities closely monitoring developments and preparing for potential emergencies. The dual threats of Typhoon Bavi and the lingering effects of Maysak highlight the vulnerability of the region to severe weather events .
