More than 1,600 flights have been cancelled and approximately 500,000 people evacuated as Typhoon Dolphin approaches China’s eastern coast with winds reaching 162km/h (101mph), according to the National Meteorological Center (NMC) and state media reports.
Flight Cancellations and Transportation Disruptions
Aviation and transit networks faced immediate shutdowns as the severe weather system approached. According to state broadcaster CCTV, Shanghai’s Hongqiao and Pudong airports cancelled nearly 1,400 flights on Sunday. In neighboring Zhejiang province, airlines cancelled an additional 270 inbound and outbound flights at Hangzhou’s airport, as reported by CCTV. Furthermore, state news agency Xinhua noted that services on more than 200 ferry routes were suspended across Zhejiang and Fujian provinces.
Mass Evacuations Across Coastal Provinces
Local authorities mobilized large-scale relocations ahead of the storm’s landfall. According to state reports, officials in Zhejiang evacuated about 390,000 people from the city of Taizhou on Saturday evening, while authorities in Shanghai relocated more than 30,000 residents from high-risk areas. Xinhua also reported that approximately 99,000 people were moved from risky areas in Fujian province by Saturday evening.
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Meteorological Forecast and Rainfall Expectations
The NMC forecast extraordinary torrential rain in parts of central and eastern Zhejiang, with expected rainfall totals ranging from 250mm to 500mm (9.8 to 19.9 inches). Torrential rain is also projected through Monday across Shanghai, northern Fujian, northeastern Jiangxi, central and southern Anhui, and much of Jiangsu, according to the weather service. The typhoon is set to arrive overnight on Sunday into Monday with sustained winds up to 162km/h before weakening inland.
Regional Impact in Taiwan and Japan
Before threatening mainland China, the outer bands of the storm impacted northern Taiwan starting Saturday, where dozens of ferry services were suspended and more than 180 flights were cancelled due to heavy downpours and strong winds in Taipei and surrounding areas. Earlier over the weekend, Dolphin swept through Japan’s southern Okinawa prefecture, injuring seven people, according to regional reports. Okinawa Electric Power Company reported that the typhoon cut off electricity for 5,290 households by Sunday afternoon, leaving power disrupted across more than 50,000 buildings during the height of the storm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current wind speed of Typhoon Dolphin?
According to the National Meteorological Center, Typhoon Dolphin is bringing sustained winds of up to 162km/h (101mph).
How many flights have been cancelled in China?
State broadcaster CCTV reported that more than 1,600 flights have been cancelled across Shanghai and Hangzhou airports.
How many people have been evacuated?
Official reports indicate that approximately 500,000 people have been evacuated across coastal regions, including hundreds of thousands in Zhejiang province and tens of thousands in Shanghai and Fujian.
What areas are expected to receive the heaviest rainfall?
The NMC forecasts 250mm to 500mm of rain in parts of central and eastern Zhejiang, with torrential rain also expected in Shanghai, northern Fujian, northeastern Jiangxi, central and southern Anhui, and much of Jiangsu.
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