More than one million people were moved to safety across eastern China by Sunday evening as powerful Typhoon Dolphin made landfall, bringing torrential rain, severe flooding, and fears of landslides, according to local government reports. The storm forced major transit shutdowns and shattered records for rainfall in over 150 years of records.
Mass Evacuations Across Zhejiang, Fujian, and Shanghai
Authorities mounted massive evacuation operations as the storm approached the coast. According to municipal officials, Wenzhou relocated more than 900,000 people and opened over 1,500 emergency shelters. Neighboring Fujian moved 98,900 people from high-risk areas, while maritime authorities suspended dozens of passenger ferry routes and halted more than 100 offshore construction projects, according to BBC reporting. In Shanghai, officials evacuated 215,600 people from vulnerable locations by Sunday evening, a sharp rise from an earlier figure of 30,300.
Record-Breaking Rainfall and Infrastructure Disruption
Weather stations recorded staggering downpours as the storm system pushed inland. A weather station in central Shanghai logged nearly 313mm of rain in the 24 hours to 7am on Monday, marking its highest 24-hour rainfall in more than 150 years of records, according to meteorological data. Another station in the city measured nearly 400mm. The severe weather drove the hashtag “Shanghai turns into the sea” to trend on Weibo as floodwaters engulfed streets around the Wukang Mansion and ground-floor businesses in the former French Concession, where state media footage showed people wading through ankle-deep water.
The average rainfall across Zhejiang between Friday evening and Monday morning reached 173mm, reportedly surpassing totals seen during previous major typhoons like Lekima and Bavi. Forecasters warn that parts of Zhejiang could receive 250mm to 500mm of rain over the coming days. The severe conditions crippled regional transport. Shanghai’s two airports cancelled more than 1,300 flights, and local train services were suspended across the financial hub. Tourist spots, including parts of Disneyland, Legoland, and viewing platforms along the Bund, were closed to the public.
Typhoon Path and Wider Regional Impacts
By 5am on Monday, Typhoon Dolphin had weakened rapidly to a tropical storm. However, state broadcaster CCTV noted that the system maintained a massive circulation size and an intense rainfall capacity after travelling an unusual 6,000km before landfall. As the storm continued moving north and inland, forecasters warned of heavy rain extending into Shandong, Henan, Hubei, Anhui, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. Authorities maintained an orange alert for heavy rain through Wednesday.
The storm’s reach extended well beyond mainland China. In Hong Kong, Typhoon Dolphin fueled intense heat on Sunday, driving temperatures to a record-high 36.9C, according to officials. Taiwan suspended ferry services and cancelled more than 180 flights. Prior to this, the system battered Japan’s southern Okinawa prefecture, leaving over 50,000 homes without electricity and injuring half a dozen people. In the Philippines, while avoiding a direct landfall, Dolphin intensified seasonal monsoon rains, flooding multiple areas across the northern Luzon region, including locations near Manila.
Did you know? Typhoon Dolphin travelled a staggering 6,000 kilometers before making landfall, giving it a lifespan more than three times longer than that of an average typhoon, according to China’s state broadcaster CCTV.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people were evacuated ahead of Typhoon Dolphin?
More than one million people were relocated to safety across eastern China by Sunday evening, with major evacuations recorded in Wenzhou, Taizhou, Fujian, and Shanghai.
What transportation disruptions did the storm cause?
Shanghai’s two airports cancelled more than 1,300 flights, public transport and local train services were suspended in the financial hub, and Taiwan cancelled over 180 flights while suspending ferry services.
How much rain did Shanghai receive?
A weather station in central Shanghai recorded nearly 313mm of rain in a 24-hour period, setting a record for its highest daily rainfall in over 150 years.
Are there any reported casualties?
While government authorities have not officially confirmed any deaths or injuries, local media channels noted that a young boy aged nine, hailing from Zhejiang’s Wenling area, remains unaccounted for after being carried away by the ocean.
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