China Faces Second Typhoon in a Week
China has undertaken the evacuation of nearly two million individuals as Typhoon Bavi, a powerful storm, made landfall. This is the second typhoon to impact the nation within a week. The storm, which extends 1,000 kilometers at its widest point, arrived in the coastal city of Taizhou on Saturday evening. It subsequently made a second landfall in Wenzhou around midnight.
Prior to reaching China, Typhoon Bavi traversed a series of remote Japanese islands and caused heavy rain in Taiwan, particularly affecting its northern regions. The Philippines experienced deadly landslides due to the storm, leaving at least 17 people dead.
Impact and Safety Measures
Despite its downgrade to a severe tropical storm, Typhoon Bavi continues to pose threats due to the substantial moisture it carries. The storm is forecasted to weaken further as it continues its northwest trajectory. On Sunday morning, the storm's center reached Hangzhou City in Zhejiang province, with expectations of moving to eastern Anhui and then the Yellow Sea by Tuesday.
Evacuation efforts in Zhejiang province alone have displaced over 1.7 million people, with additional evacuations in neighboring regions. The storm has prompted the suspension of schools, work, and outdoor activities in Zhejiang. Transportation has been heavily impacted, with 400 flights and numerous train services cancelled.
"We could hear roof tiles and tree branches falling," said Li Liangxing, a resident of Wenzhou. "Of course, we were scared," he added.
Authorities in Beijing have also evacuated 100,000 residents to minimize risk.
Typhoon's Path and Impact on Neighboring Regions
Initially classified as a super typhoon, Bavi impacted Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands with winds reaching 290 km/h. As it weakened to 144 km/h, it affected Japan's Sakishima islands, injuring five individuals and causing power outages for thousands.
In Taiwan, although the island was spared a direct hit, heavy rainfall raised concerns about landslides. Thousands were evacuated, and Taiwanese authorities had predicted up to 1 meter of rainfall. Flight cancellations and school closures were implemented as precautionary measures, and residents stocked up on essential supplies.
Meanwhile, southern China is still recovering from Typhoon Maysak, which hit earlier in the week, causing significant casualties and agricultural losses, including the deaths of 39 people and livestock destruction. Maysak also led to two rare tornadoes in Hubei province.
Source: Original Article
