Typhoon Bavi, which developed into a powerful storm system across the Pacific, made landfall in eastern China’s Zhejiang province, following a path that impacted the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan. While no casualties were reported in China, the storm forced the evacuation of over 1.7 million residents as authorities braced for flooding and high winds.
Landfall and Impact in Eastern China
Typhoon Bavi reached the coast of Zhejiang province at approximately 11:20 p.m. Saturday, according to China’s state-run Xinhua news agency. At the time of landfall, the storm carried sustained winds of 144 kilometers (90 miles) per hour. By Sunday morning, the China Weather Administration downgraded the system to a severe tropical storm as it moved toward the commercial hub of Yiwu.
Local authorities launched a massive mobilization effort to mitigate damage. In Wenzhou, a city of nearly 10 million people, officials implemented widespread suspensions of public transport, school classes, and outdoor work. Residents reinforced storefronts with wooden planks and protective shutters to withstand expected force 11 winds. Despite these measures, the storm caused significant disruption, with over 400 flights and numerous train services canceled across the province.
Regional Path: Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan
Before reaching the Chinese mainland, the storm caused widespread destruction across the Western Pacific. In the Philippines, the storm triggered landslides and heavy rainfall that resulted in 18 deaths, primarily on the island of Mindanao. Nearly 11,000 people were displaced, and maritime operations were suspended, leaving 313 vessels taking shelter.
In Taiwan, the storm’s trajectory and wind radius caused significant infrastructure damage. According to the Central Weather Administration, more than 170,000 households lost power, and over 14,000 residents were evacuated from high-risk areas. Japan’s southwestern islands, particularly the Miyako region in Okinawa, also faced extensive power outages as the storm passed through.
Climate Context and Seasonal Intensification
The intensity of Typhoon Bavi occurred against a backdrop of record-breaking ocean temperatures. According to data from the Copernicus Marine Service, oceans have experienced their hottest June on record. Warmer oceans intensify tropical storms and add more moisture, which can fall as heavy rain.
Furthermore, the meteorological conditions were influenced by the return this year of El Nino, a natural climate phenomenon that warms Pacific Ocean surface temperatures and typically occurs every two to seven years.
Summary of Evacuations and Preparations
Total evacuations in China reached approximately 1.72 million people in Zhejiang, with an additional 130,000 relocated in Fujian and 34,000 in Shanghai. In Beijing, authorities evacuated over 100,000 people as a precaution, increasing water discharge from the Miyun Reservoir to manage the influx of rain and prevent potential floodwaters.
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