Typhoon Dolphin Slams Into Eastern China, Disrupting Travel and Displacing Thousands

Typhoon Dolphin made landfall on China's eastern coast on Sunday evening, bringing with it powerful winds and torrential rain. The storm struck the city of Taizhou in Zhejiang province and the northern parts of neighboring Fujian province, packing winds of approximately 151 kilometers per hour (93 mph) at the moment it hit the shoreline.

In anticipation of the storm's arrival, authorities had already taken significant precautionary measures. More than 300,000 people were preemptively relocated from vulnerable areas. Specifically, around 390,000 residents were evacuated in Taizhou on Saturday evening, while over 30,000 people were moved from high-risk zones in Shanghai.

The impact on travel was substantial. Shanghai's Hongqiao and Pudong airports cancelled more than 1,300 flights, which accounted for roughly 60% of the day's scheduled departures and arrivals. Additionally, Zhejiang authorities suspended all water-based activities, including ferry and cruise operations.

The storm, which brought heavy rains to northern Taiwan the day before, has created a serious risk of severe flooding in Zhejiang. Local authorities have also issued warnings about the potential for landslides in the region. Forecasters predict that some areas could receive between 200 and 400 millimeters (7.9 to 15.7 inches) of rainfall over the coming days, exacerbating the threat of flooding and geological hazards.