The landfall of the season's ninth typhoon, Bavi, coupled with torrential rains, has forced approximately 5 million people to evacuate across various regions in China. The severe weather caused extensive transportation disruptions, leading to the cancellation of numerous flights and the suspension of high-speed rail services. Meanwhile, in Taiwan, which also fell within the typhoon's radius, more than 200 people were reported injured.

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An area in Huairou District, Beijing, is drenched by torrential rain triggered by Typhoon Bavi. Precipitation is forecast to continue until around July 15. / Photo courtesy of The Beijing News

Typhoon Bavi made landfall along the coast of Zhejiang Province in eastern China during the early morning hours yesterday, bringing maximum wind speeds of up to 144 kilometers per hour. The storm follows recent torrential rains and landslides in southern China that left at least 40 people dead, according to reports from The Beijing News and other media outlets on July 13.

The typhoon briefly moved out to sea before making a second landfall about 20 minutes later. The storm has triggered heavy downpours across coastal areas, prompting fears of severe flooding, river overflows, submerged farmland, and widespread transportation disruptions. As of the morning of July 13, at least 5 million residents have been evacuated. School classes, businesses, public transit, and outdoor activities have been suspended, though no casualties from the typhoon have been reported so far.

In the capital city of Beijing, unusually heavy rainfall forced the evacuation of more than 100,000 residents. Additionally, 130,000 people were displaced in Fujian Province, and approximately 40,000 were moved to safety from coastal areas in Shanghai. The extreme weather led to the cancellation of more than 3,000 domestic and international flights across China on July 12 alone.

Rail networks in the southeastern regions are also facing major disruptions. Hangzhou West Railway Station in Zhejiang Province suspended all train operations on July 12 to ensure passenger safety, while several passenger trains operating through Jiangxi and Fujian provinces were also grounded.

Taiwan, which fell within the typhoon's radius, also sustained significant damage. According to sources familiar with cross-strait relations, over 200 people, including five foreign nationals, were reported injured as of 7:00 PM on July 12. Fortunately, no fatalities or critical injuries have been confirmed.

Typhoon Bavi is projected to weaken gradually as it tracks northwest. However, weather agencies warn that heavy precipitation will likely persist in some regions until July 15, with Beijing bracing for atypical rainfall and potential flood damage.

                                                                                                           Hong Soon-do