Mass Evacuations Ordered as Typhoon Bavi Nears Eastern China
China evacuated more than 1.8 million people on Saturday as Typhoon Bavi churned toward the major eastern city of Wenzhou after pummelling Japan’s southern Sakishima island chain with heavy rain and violent winds and brushing past northern Taiwan. The evacuations were concentrated in Zhejiang province, where over 1.7 million people were moved, and in neighboring Fujian province, where more than 100,000 were evacuated, according to state media.
As of 0808 GMT, Bavi had maximum sustained winds of 144 km per hour (90 mph), equivalent to a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. The storm was located about 200 km southeast of Wenling in Zhejiang province, according to the National Meteorological Center. Forecasters predicted landfall around Wenzhou, a city of approximately 10 million people, early on Sunday.
Storm's Size and Moisture Content Pose Ongoing Threat
Even as Bavi continues to slow and weaken on its northwesterly path over cooler seas, the typhoon remains a potent risk due to the sheer volume of moisture it holds within its rain bands, which stretch across an area roughly the size of France. The storm's slow movement increases the potential for prolonged heavy rainfall and flooding in affected regions.
Residents in Wenzhou expressed cautious optimism. Huang Xinghuan, 50, was out buying groceries at a traditional wet market before it closed ahead of the typhoon. “I’m a little worried, but I think it’ll be OK. We’ve been through typhoons before. We’ll get through it,” he said. Huang noted that his family had stocked two to three days’ worth of water. “I think supplies are well guaranteed now. There’s no need to panic or stockpile a lot of food or other supplies,” he added.
Impacts Across Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines
While Japan and Taiwan have not reported any deaths directly from the typhoon, the Philippines recorded 17 fatalities due to heavy rains brought by an enhanced southwest monsoon, worsened by Bavi’s impact. Taiwan’s fire department reported 87 injuries, mostly from falls off motorcycles or bicycles, as well as people falling over or being struck by objects.
In Taiwan, the government evacuated more than 14,000 people from mainly mountainous areas as the island shut down for the approach of Bavi to the north. Although Bavi did not make landfall in Taiwan, authorities took precautions given forecasts for almost 1 meter (3 feet) of rain in some areas. Most evacuees were in northern and eastern regions. The storm led to the cancellation of 920 international flights, effectively closing Taiwan’s main international airport at Taoyuan, as well as all 282 domestic flights.
Almost all cities and counties across Taiwan declared a typhoon holiday for Saturday, closing offices and schools that might have been open on the weekend. However, in Taipei, some restaurants and convenience stores remained open, and the main north-south high-speed rail line continued operating with reduced service. In downtown Taipei, residents braved blustery wind and rain. Yeh Mao-hsiung, 68, out for a morning walk with his dog, said, “It’s OK, it’s not that serious. It’s just a little bit more wind.” In Taipei’s Beitou neighborhood, gusts of around 100 kph knocked down trees and swelled rivers.
Preparations in Wenzhou and Regional Response
In Wenzhou, Chen Qiuqin, in her 60s, walked through steady rain to her parents’ home to help them prepare for the typhoon. “I was worried about the flowerpots on my mother’s balcony, so I’m going to help move them inside. My parents are both elderly and they’re home alone, so I wasn’t at ease,” she said. She expressed confidence in the government’s preparations, noting that she was not overly concerned.
The Chinese government has mobilized emergency response teams and deployed resources to mitigate the typhoon's impact. Residents have been advised to stay indoors and avoid coastal areas as the storm approaches. With Bavi expected to make landfall early Sunday, authorities remain on high alert for potential flooding and structural damage.
