Typhoon Bavi has left a trail of destruction across eastern China, bringing powerful winds, record-breaking rainfall, and widespread flooding after making two landfalls in Zhejiang province over the weekend.
The storm first came ashore in Yuhuan before striking again near Wenzhou, packing maximum sustained winds of 144 km/h (89 mph). Although Bavi has since weakened into a tropical storm as it moves inland toward Anhui province, authorities warn that its greatest threat is no longer the wind, it’s the massive amount of rain the system continues to unleash.
Nearly Two Million People Evacuated Ahead of the Storm
Chinese authorities carried out one of the country’s largest precautionary evacuations this year, relocating nearly two million residents from high-risk areas across Zhejiang, Shanghai, and Fujian before the typhoon arrived.
Emergency shelters were opened across affected regions while transportation services were suspended to reduce risks from storm surges, flash floods, and landslides.
As the storm moved northward, evacuation efforts expanded into northeastern provinces, including Liaoning, where hundreds of thousands more residents were relocated as flooding intensified.
Flooding Becomes the Biggest Threat
While Typhoon Bavi initially battered coastal communities with destructive winds that uprooted thousands of trees and damaged buildings, the situation quickly shifted into a major flood emergency.
The weakening storm continues to carry enormous amounts of tropical moisture, producing torrential rain across eastern, northern, and northeastern China.
China’s Ministry of Water Resources has placed 46 rivers under active flood warnings, highlighting the growing flood risk as rivers continue to rise across multiple provinces.
Record Rainfall Overwhelms Cities
Some of the worst rainfall has been recorded in Yueqing, Zhejiang province, where 435 millimeters (more than 17 inches) of rain fell within just 24 hours, setting a new local record.
The relentless downpours have overwhelmed drainage systems in several cities.
In Wenzhou and Shenyang, streets have turned into rivers, with floodwaters reportedly exceeding two meters in some neighborhoods. Images circulating online show vehicles completely submerged while some residents were forced to swim or use paddleboards to move through flooded streets.
Flash Floods and Landslides Hit Mountain Regions
Beyond urban flooding, mountainous areas are facing another danger.
Heavy rainfall has triggered flash floods, mudslides, and fast-moving torrents across parts of Zhejiang and Hebei, washing out roads, isolating villages, and hampering rescue operations.
Emergency responders continue monitoring unstable slopes as saturated ground increases the risk of additional landslides.
Storm’s Impact Spreads Across Multiple Provinces
Although Zhejiang absorbed the initial landfall, Typhoon Bavi’s slow movement has allowed severe weather to spread across a large portion of China.
Among the hardest-hit regions are:
- Zhejiang Province – Direct landfalls brought destructive winds, widespread power outages, fallen trees, and coastal flooding.
- Shanghai and Jiangsu – Strong winds and heavy rain disrupted transportation despite avoiding a direct hit.
- Anhui and Jiangxi – Authorities issued rainstorm warnings while reservoirs released water to prevent dangerous overflow.
- Liaoning Province – Torrential rain caused extensive urban flooding, swollen rivers, and large-scale evacuations in cities including Shenyang and Fushun.
- Jilin Province – Schools, public transportation, and several public services were suspended as the storm system advanced northward.
Thousands of Flights and Rail Services Suspended
The severe weather has also disrupted transportation across eastern China.
Thousands of flights were canceled, while high-speed rail services connecting major cities such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, and surrounding transportation hubs were suspended due to dangerous weather conditions.
Officials continue warning of travel disruptions as heavy rainfall moves toward the Yellow Sea.
Government Launches Massive Emergency Response
China has mobilized significant emergency resources to respond to the disaster.
The central government allocated 140 million yuan (approximately US$20.6 million) for emergency rescue operations and infrastructure repairs.
Authorities have also distributed 70,000 emergency relief supplies, including folding beds, blankets, and family emergency kits.
Meanwhile, flood response levels have been raised in several northern provinces as experts closely monitor reservoir levels and river systems to reduce the risk of catastrophic flooding.
Local governments have also implemented temporary restrictions, including school closures, business suspensions, construction shutdowns, and the closure of flooded metro stations in some cities.
Heavy Rain Expected to Continue
Although Typhoon Bavi has weakened into a tropical storm, forecasters warn that the danger is far from over.
The system remains loaded with tropical moisture, meaning heavy to torrential rainfall is expected to continue across eastern, northern, and northeastern China over the coming days.
Authorities are urging residents in flood-prone and mountainous areas to remain alert as the risk of flash floods, river flooding, and landslides remains high even after the strongest winds have subsided.
