China Evacuates Over One Million People Amid Powerful Typhoon Typhoon Dolphin has made landfall along China’s eastern coast, prompting authorities to evacuate more than one million residents and cancel approximately 1,400 flights. The storm, which reached speeds of up to 150 kilometers per hour, caused widespread disruption, with heavy rainfall and flooding reported across multiple provinces. As of Monday, the typhoon had moved inland, though officials continue to warn of potential flash floods and landslides through Wednesday. The typhoon initially made landfall near Yuhuan in Zhejiang Province around 5:30 PM local time on Sunday, followed by another landfall near Wenzhou shortly after. Local authorities issued their highest-level weather warnings before dawn on Monday, downgrading Dolphin to a tropical storm. Despite this downgrade, the storm continues its path toward the interior, bringing torrential rains and raising concerns over flood risks. In Shanghai alone, nearly 1400 flights were canceled due to severe weather conditions. Authorities have advised citizens to remain indoors and have temporarily closed several tourist attractions, including parts of Disneyland and LegoLand, as well as viewing points along the iconic Bund waterfront. In some areas of Zhejiang, forecasters predict up to 500 millimeters of rain within the coming days. In Wenzhou, over 900,000 residents were evacuated, and more than 1,000 emergency shelters were opened. Similarly, in Taizhou, approximately 390,000 people were relocated. In Fujian Province, maritime authorities suspended over ten ferry routes and halted more than 100 coastal construction projects. According to reports from China Central Television (CCTV), Dolphin traveled approximately 6,000 kilometers before making landfall, lasting more than three times longer than the average typhoon. Its wide area of influence and intense rainfall have contributed to the severity of the situation. The typhoon also affected neighboring regions, including the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan's Okinawa island, where it caused damage and disrupted services. On Okinawa, seven people were injured, while over 50,000 homes lost power. In addition to the physical dangers posed by the typhoon, Chinese authorities have taken action against individuals spreading false information online. Two people, including a 60-year-old man suspected of using artificial intelligence to create misleading videos of someone falling from a building during the storm, have been detained. Another individual, a 32-year-old man, was arrested for altering and reposting videos of the typhoon in a manner deemed deceptive. Hong Kong recorded record-breaking temperatures of 36.9 degrees Celsius on Sunday, attributed to the warm air brought by the typhoon. Meanwhile, in Beijing, red weather alerts were issued for five districts due to heavy rainfall, with officials warning of landslide and flood risks. In the northern part of China, extreme weather conditions have also been reported, with similar alerts issued for other regions. As the typhoon moves further inland, officials continue to monitor the situation closely. Emergency response teams are working to ensure public safety, particularly in high-risk areas such as mountainous regions and smaller rivers. With continued heavy rainfall expected, the risk of flooding and geological hazards remains elevated. Authorities urge residents to stay informed and follow official guidance to minimize exposure to danger.
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