More than a million people have been evacuated across eastern China, including parts of Shanghai and Zhejiang province, as Typhoon Dolphin made landfall, unleashing record rainfall and powerful winds across the region.
The storm, described as the strongest to hit China this year, brought torrential downpours and sustained gale-force winds on Sunday, prompting authorities to move residents to safety amid fears of widespread flooding and landslides.
Emergency services mobilised swiftly, opening over 1,500 temporary shelters and coordinating large-scale relocation efforts ahead of the typhoon's arrival to mitigate potential casualties and damage.
Mass Evacuations in Coastal Provinces
More than a million people were moved to safety across eastern China as powerful Typhoon Dolphin made landfall amid fears torrential rain would cause flooding and landslides.
Coastal areas bore the brunt of the initial impact, with the city of Wenzhou in Zhejiang province accounting for more than 900,000 of the total evacuations. Residents were moved from low-lying areas and vulnerable buildings over the weekend as the storm approached.
Transport networks faced severe disruption, with numerous flights cancelled and train services suspended across the affected provinces, bringing daily life to a standstill for millions.
Warnings of Inland Flooding and Landslides
Meteorological officials have warned that the intense rainfall is expected to persist for several days as Typhoon Dolphin tracks further inland. This continued precipitation significantly increases the risk of severe riverine flooding and dangerous landslides in mountainous and hilly regions.
Emergency response teams remain on high alert, preparing for potential search and rescue operations as the full extent of the storm's impact becomes clearer. Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and follow all safety directives.
The arrival of Typhoon Dolphin marks a significant challenge for China's eastern seaboard, which frequently experiences powerful storms during the late summer months. Its intensity this year has prompted an unprecedented level of preparedness.
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