Earlier this week, “Bavi” was categorized as a super typhoon but is currently less intense as it approaches Taiwan and China. Authorities remain vigilant and have urged hundreds of thousands to evacuate to safety.
After impacting various Pacific islands, Typhoon “Bavi” is now closing in on Taiwan. In northern areas, over 14,000 individuals have evacuated in anticipation of the storm. Numerous businesses have closed their doors, and more than 1,100 domestic and international flights have been canceled, along with ferry services.
By Friday, around 69,000 households faced temporary power outages due to the heavy rains and strong winds damaging electrical infrastructure.
Storm Loses Intensity
Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA) has issued warnings for “extreme heavy rain” over northern Taiwan and hazardous waves reaching up to 10 meters near the coastline. The coastal regions, including the capital city, are expected to face the brunt of the storm’s impact in Taiwan.
Wind speeds have been reported at up to 144 kilometers per hour, with some gusts exceeding 180 kilometers per hour. Despite the reduction in intensity, the storm remains a significant concern according to meteorological authorities.
Bavi Reaches China on Sunday
After commencing its journey as a super typhoon impacting US territories such as Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, Bavi has since been downgraded. Concerns once raised about it being the most significant typhoon to hit Taiwan in over three decades have subsided somewhat, but over 28,000 soldiers are on standby for emergency response.
By early Sunday, Bavi is expected to make landfall in eastern China, particularly affecting Zhejiang and Fujian provinces, with exceptional rainfall anticipated, prompting authorities to evacuate hundreds of thousands of residents.
Recent Severe Weather in China
In the eastern Chinese metropolis of Wenzhou, state media reported that 1.7 million individuals had evacuated their homes. Additionally, over 100,000 residents in Beijing were also relocated due to intense rainfall, according to the local government.
Severe weather earlier this week in southern and central China has already caused significant damages, with 39 casualties reported from flooding, including 26 fatalities from a dam collapse.
