Mass Evacuations Underway in Eastern China
China evacuated more than 600,000 people on Saturday ahead of Typhoon Bavi hitting the major eastern city of Wenzhou, after the storm pummelled Japan's southern Sakishima island chain with heavy rain and violent winds and brushed past northern Taiwan. State media reported that over half a million people had been evacuated in Zhejiang province, where Wenzhou is located, and more than 100,000 in neighbouring Fujian province.
Typhoon Bavi's Path and Intensity
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 span an area about the size of France from end to end. Bavi is forecast to make landfall around Wenzhou, a city of some 10 million people, in the early hours of Sunday.
Residents Prepare for the Storm
Wenzhou resident 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 added that his family had stocked about 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 said.
Impact on Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines
While Japan and Taiwan have not so far reported any deaths from the typhoon, 17 people died in the Philippines due to heavy rains brought by an enhanced southwest monsoon, worsened by Bavi's impact. Taiwan's fire department said 87 people had been injured, mostly from falls due to strong winds or being struck by objects.
Taiwan's Precautions
In Taiwan, the government evacuated more than 14,000 people, mainly from mountainous areas, as the island shut down for Bavi's approach to the north. Although Bavi did not make landfall on Taiwan, the government took extensive precautions to prevent loss of life, given forecasts for almost one metre (three feet) of rain in some areas. Most evacuees were in northern and eastern regions. A total of 920 international flights were cancelled, effectively closing Taiwan's main international airport at Taoyuan, along with all 282 domestic flights.
Almost all cities and counties across Taiwan declared a typhoon holiday for Saturday, closing offices and schools. In Taipei, some restaurants and convenience stores remained open. The main north-south high-speed rail line continued to operate but with reduced service.
Residents' Reactions in Taipei and Wenzhou
In downtown Taipei, some residents remained outdoors despite the blustery wind and rain. "It's OK, it's not that serious," said resident Yeh Mao-hsiung, 68, out for a morning walk with his dog. "It's just a little bit more wind." However, in Taipei's Beitou neighbourhood, gusts of around 100 kph (60 mph) knocked down trees and swelled rivers.
In Wenzhou, Chen Qiuqin, in her 60s, walked through steady rain to her parents' home to help them prepare for the approaching typhoon. She said she was not too concerned given the government's preparations. "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.
