Typhoon Dolphin in China: More than a million people evacuated

Over one million people have been evacuated from their homes in eastern China, including Shanghai, due to the arrival of Typhoon Dolphin, according to Chinese authorities. The storm reached maximum wind speeds of 150 km/h (94 mph) when it first struck Yuhuan in Zhejiang province before making landfall again in Wenzhou approximately one hour later. Transportation throughout the region has been disrupted, with over 1,400 flights canceled in Shanghai alone. Initially, Chinese authorities issued a red alert, the highest level, for Dolphin, but later downgraded it to a tropical storm. The system is moving inland, and officials continue to warn of heavy rains, severe flooding, and landslides through Wednesday. The National Meteorological Center, citing Xinhua, maintained a blue typhoon warning, predicting strong winds along the eastern coastal areas until tomorrow afternoon. Intense or extreme rainfall is forecast for parts of eastern and central China, with some areas in Hubei province potentially receiving up to 270 mm of precipitation. China Eastern Airlines stated it would resume flights to Shanghai, Zhejiang, and other destinations in an orderly manner. Public transportation services, including many local trains, have been suspended in Shanghai. Authorities in Shanghai and Fujian province completed the evacuation of more than 215,000 and nearly 168,000 people respectively from high-risk zones. Many roads in Shanghai, the country’s second-largest city, have flooded, including those near major shopping centers. Suburban areas around Jiading and Qingpu districts have remained submerged, according to live updates shared by residents on social media. Ningbo International Airport in Zhejiang province, located about 150 km south of Shanghai, will resume flight operations starting at noon (04:00 GMT) on Monday. However, the airport warned that some flights might experience delays or cancellations. Tropical Storm Dolphin intensified heat in Hong Kong, pushing the city to its highest recorded temperature of 36.9°C yesterday. Officials noted that the sweltering heat should persist into tomorrow. In Taiwan, ferry services have been suspended, and over 180 flights canceled. Previously, Dolphin had crossed Okinawa prefecture in southern Japan, injuring six people and causing power outages affecting more than 50,000 buildings. In the Philippines, the storm did not make landfall in northern regions but intensified seasonal monsoon rains, leading to flooding in many areas of the main northern region of Luzon, including the area around Manila. Scientists suggest global warming has made extreme weather events, including stronger typhoons, more likely. Evacuations have been extensive, with authorities working to move residents from vulnerable areas ahead of the storm's impact. In Shanghai, major thoroughfares have been inundated, disrupting daily life and commerce. Local authorities have coordinated efforts to ensure public safety, while airlines and transport providers adjust schedules based on evolving conditions. The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing monitoring of the storm’s path and intensity. Residents in affected areas have taken to social media to share real-time updates, highlighting the extent of flooding and disruptions. Some neighborhoods have been cut off, requiring emergency response teams to provide assistance. Schools and businesses have closed in anticipation of the storm, and power outages remain a concern in several regions. Emergency shelters have been set up in multiple locations to accommodate displaced individuals. Meteorologists continue to track the storm’s movement, issuing regular updates on potential changes in trajectory or strength. While the immediate threat has passed in certain areas, the risk of prolonged rainfall and subsequent flooding persists. Authorities urge residents to stay informed and follow official guidance regarding safety measures and travel restrictions. The storm’s impact is being felt across multiple jurisdictions, prompting cross-border coordination among regional governments and disaster management agencies. As the storm moves further inland, the focus shifts to managing the aftermath, including restoring infrastructure, providing aid to affected communities, and assessing long-term damage. The resilience of local populations and the effectiveness of emergency preparedness measures will be key factors in mitigating the consequences of this powerful weather event.