Additional Coverage:
- Typhoon Bavi weakens but brings strong winds and rain to China as more than 2 million evacuated (apnews.com)
Typhoon Bavi Weakens but Continues to Bring Severe Weather to Eastern China
BEIJING – After making landfall in Zhejiang province, Typhoon Bavi has downgraded to a severe tropical storm, yet it still unleashes strong winds and heavy rainfall across eastern China. Early Sunday reports from China’s national weather center indicated sustained winds near the storm’s center at approximately 101 kph (63 mph). The storm is projected to move northwestward through the region.
Though Bavi skirted north of Taiwan on Saturday without making direct landfall, the island experienced its effects. Taiwan’s fire department reported at least 134 injuries as of Sunday morning, many resulting from accidents involving motorcycles or bicycles amid slippery roads and gusty conditions.
The National Meteorological Center of China warns that numerous cities in eastern China will continue to face severe weather throughout Sunday. In anticipation, authorities have taken precautionary measures: Shanghai evacuated over 290,000 residents from vulnerable areas, Zhejiang province moved about 2.2 million people to safety, and Fujian province evacuated more than 180,000 individuals.
Transportation has also been affected, with Shanghai’s Pudong and Hongqiao International Airports canceling roughly 653 flights due to the storm’s impact, according to official reports.
The coastal city of Yueqing in Zhejiang bore significant damage, where over 1,300 trees were toppled, including more than 700 uprooted, as documented by state broadcaster CCTV.
Officials continue to monitor Typhoon Bavi’s progression closely as communities contend with its lingering effects.