Typhoon Dolphin barrels toward China's east coast, flood alerts issued

Typhoon Dolphin is on course to make landfall on China's east coast late Sunday, bringing with it the threat of torrential rain and damaging winds. Authorities have issued warnings for potential flooding and landslides across a wide area of eastern China.

The storm previously swept through Japan's Okinawa prefecture, where it injured six people and left more than 50,000 buildings without power. In preparation for its arrival in China, officials have moved offshore workers to safety, ordered vessels back to port, and stepped up inspections of reservoirs, mountain streams, and areas prone to landslides.

China's National Meteorological Centre says the typhoon is expected to hit the coast on Sunday evening and into Monday, with sustained winds of up to 162 kilometers per hour (101 mph) before it weakens as it moves inland. This intensity is comparable to a Category 2 hurricane.

Forecasters predict torrential rain through August 10 across Zhejiang, Shanghai, northern Fujian, northeastern Jiangxi, central and southern Anhui, and much of Jiangsu. Parts of central and eastern Zhejiang could see rainfall totals between 250 and 500 millimeters (9.8-19.7 inches).

After landfall, the storm is forecast to track westward before slowing down over central and southwestern China, gradually losing strength. This could prolong heavy rain and increase the risk of flooding and landslides, particularly in mountainous areas and near smaller rivers.

The water resources ministry has warned that the Qiantang, Yong, Jiao, and Shuiyang rivers could see major flooding, with smaller rivers in the hardest-hit areas potentially rising above warning levels.

A Level III flood emergency response is in effect for Zhejiang and Fujian, with a Level IV response in Jiangsu and Anhui. The emergency management ministry has dispatched teams to the affected provinces. A Level III geological-disaster response has also been set in Zhejiang, with a Level IV response in Anhui.

In Shanghai, the Yangshan port has cleared ships from its berths and moved more than 500 small and medium-sized vessels to shelter ahead of the storm.