Typhoon Dolphin has triggered mass evacuations in eastern China, with more than a million people moved to safety as record rainfall hit Shanghai. The storm, which made landfall on Sunday, brought the city's highest 24-hour rainfall in over 150 years, raising urgent concerns about flooding and landslides.
Typhoon Dolphin's Impact on Eastern China
According to official reports, Wenzhou in Zhejiang province relocated over 900,000 residents and opened more than 1,500 emergency shelters. In neighboring Fujian, nearly 99,000 people were evacuated from high-risk areas. Shanghai saw 215,600 people moved from vulnerable zones by Sunday evening, a significant jump from an earlier figure of 30,300.
Forecasters predicted that some areas could receive between 200mm and 400mm (7.9–15.7 inches) of rainfall over the coming days. The storm weakened to a tropical storm by Monday morning, but heavy rain continued across eastern and central China, affecting provinces including Shandong, Henan, Hubei, Anhui, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang.
Record Rainfall and Flight Cancellations
Shanghai's weather station recorded its highest 24-hour rainfall in over 150 years, a stark reminder of the storm's intensity. The deluge forced the city's two airports to cancel more than 1,300 flights, disrupting travel for thousands of passengers. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors during heavy downpours, warning that days of intense rain could trigger widespread flooding and landslides through Wednesday.
Comparison of Evacuation Numbers
To understand the scale of the response, here is a breakdown of evacuation figures across affected regions:
| Region | People Evacuated | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wenzhou (Zhejiang) | 900,000+ | 1,500+ emergency shelters opened |
| Fujian | 98,900 | High-risk areas evacuated |
| Shanghai | 215,600 | Record rainfall; 1,300+ flights canceled |
Broader Regional Impact
Before hitting China, Typhoon Dolphin swept through Japan's southern Okinawa prefecture, injuring six people and cutting power to over 50,000 buildings. In the Philippines, the typhoon did not make landfall but intensified seasonal monsoon rains, flooding many areas of the main northern Luzon region, including around Manila.
Climate Change and Extreme Weather
Scientists emphasize that global warming has made extreme weather events more likely, including more powerful typhoons. The increasing frequency and intensity of storms like Dolphin highlight the urgent need for robust disaster preparedness and climate adaptation strategies.
Key Takeaways for Travelers and Residents
- Stay informed: Monitor local weather alerts and follow evacuation orders immediately.
- Prepare emergency kits: Include water, food, medications, and important documents.
- Avoid travel: If possible, postpone non-essential travel during typhoon warnings.
- Check flight status: Airlines may cancel or reschedule flights; verify before heading to the airport.
- Secure property: Reinforce windows and doors, and move valuables to higher ground if flooding is expected.
FAQ
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