Super Typhoon Bavi made landfall in China's eastern province of Zhejiang at 11:20 PM local time on Saturday,bringing with it maximum sustained winds of 144 kilometers per hour (89 miles per hour). Despite being downgraded from its earlier intensity, meteorologists warn that Bavi remains a significant threat due to the moisture it carries in its rain bands. As the storm approached,Chinese authorities evacuated over 1.7 million residents and issued high alerts throughout region.
The Zhejiang provincial meteorological observatory reported that Bavi is expected to move northwestward after making landfall,gradually losing strength. This storm follows closely on heels of Tropical Storm Maysak, which impacted southern China just a week earlier. Bavi had already caused disruptions in Japan and Taiwan before reaching the Chinese mainland.
In preparation for Bavi,local officials took extensive measures. Hundreds of flights were canceled, rail services were reduced, and many schools and ferry services suspended operations . Huang Xinghuan, a 50-year-old resident of Wenzhou,expressed his concerns while stocking up on groceries at a market. “I’m a little worried, but I think it’ll be OK,” he said,noting that his family had prepared for the storm by gathering enough water and food for a few days.
In addition to Zhejiang, authorities in Fujian province reported that over 3,700 people were evacuated from high-risk coastal areas by Friday evening. More than 17,000 emergency rescue workers were put on standby to assist in any potential crisis. The national weather agency issued orange typhoon alert,the second-highest level in its four-tier warning system,reflecting the seriousness of situation.
While Bavi is expected to weaken,its impact has already been felt across the region . In the Philippines, at least 17 deaths were reported due to landslides triggered by heavy rains associated with Bavi and an enhanced southwest monsoon. Taiwan,which Bavi is expected to pass,saw at least 36 injuries,primarily from motorcycle accidents on slick roads. By Saturday morning, approximately 14,210 people had been evacuated from various areas in Taiwan, especially from Taichung and Hualien,as schools and businesses closed their doors.
Japan also faced disruptions,with over 200 flights canceled as authorities in Okinawa warned residents of high waves and strong winds. The southern Sakishima island chain,part of Okinawa, experienced severe weather conditions since Friday,further complicating the region's response to the incoming storm.
As Bavi continues its path inland, potential for flooding and landslides remains a major concern. The storm's heavy rainfall could exacerbate the already challenging conditions in areas still recovering from Maysak, particularly in Hainan and Guangxi provinces,where at least 39 people died due to a dam breach that flooded Nanning.
With the storm's trajectory and intensity being closely monitored, local and national authorities are on high alert. The combination of Bavi's moisture-laden winds and recent devastation from Maysak has heightened fears of further casualties and damage. Residents are urged to stay indoors and heed evacuation orders as storm progresses.
