Typhoon Bavi Hits China: Millions Evacuated as Storm Triggers Red Alerts

Typhoon Bavi triggered the evacuation of over 1.7 million people in China’s Zhejiang province and 34,000 residents in Shanghai as it made landfall with maximum sustained winds of 144 km/h. According to Chinese authorities, the storm brought Category 1 hurricane-equivalent winds and triggered red alerts for heavy rainfall to mitigate flooding and secondary disasters.

Mass Evacuations in Zhejiang and Shanghai

Chinese officials ordered the relocation of more than 1.7 million people in Zhejiang province to secure shelters before the storm's arrival. In Shanghai, authorities moved approximately 34,000 people from high-risk areas to protect them from the combination of torrential rains and violent winds.

Storm Intensity and Meteorological Alerts

At the time of landfall, Typhoon Bavi maintained maximum sustained winds of roughly 144 km/h. On the Saffir-Simpson scale, this intensity is equivalent to a Category 1 hurricane. While the storm was expected to weaken gradually after moving inland, the China Meteorological Administration warned that the system continued to carry high levels of moisture, posing a sustained risk of widespread heavy rainfall.

To manage these risks, local authorities implemented a tiered warning system:

• Orange Alert: Maintained for the general storm threat across the region.
• Red Alert: Issued for specific areas facing extreme rainfall to prevent catastrophic flooding and landslides.

Disruptions to Transport and Education

Local governments suspended ferry services and cancelled or rescheduled numerous commercial flights and ground transportation routes. Schools in the affected zones were closed to ensure student safety during the peak of the wind and rain.

Impact on Japan and Taiwan

Before reaching the Chinese mainland, Typhoon Bavi disrupted activity across East Asia. The storm brought intense winds and heavy rain to the southern islands of Japan. It also passed near the northern region of Taiwan, where it caused significant traffic delays and disrupted air travel schedules, according to regional weather reports.

Typhoon Bavi Technical Summary