Thousands of residents have been evacuated from coastal areas in Zhejiang and Fujian provinces as Typhoon Bavi moves toward eastern China, triggering widespread transport shutdowns, school closures, and emergency response operations, according to state media and meteorological authorities.
Local governments in cities including Wenzhou, Taizhou, and Ningde ordered evacuations in low-lying coastal zones and flood-prone districts, relocating residents to temporary shelters as storm surges and heavy rainfall intensified.
China’s National Meteorological Center issued warnings of torrential rainfall exceeding 250 mm (10 inches) in some areas, alongside strong winds capable of damaging infrastructure and disrupting construction and coastal operations.
Transport systems across the region have been significantly affected. Flights were cancelled at major airports in Hangzhou and Fuzhou, while high-speed rail services and ferry routes along the East China Sea were suspended as a precaution.
Schools and public institutions were closed across multiple municipalities as authorities moved to reduce public exposure to dangerous weather conditions.
Emergency services, including fire and rescue brigades, maritime safety agencies, and local disaster response units, have been deployed across both provinces. Equipment such as sandbags, water pumps, and rescue boats has been pre-positioned in high-risk areas to respond rapidly to flooding and landslides.
“Authorities are taking no chances with coastal exposure and inland flooding risks,” a local emergency official said, highlighting that early evacuations are intended to prevent casualties.
The storm is expected to track northward after landfall, with potential impacts extending into Jiangxi and Anhui provinces, where secondary flooding and landslides remain a concern.
Residents across affected regions have been urged to remain indoors, avoid coastal areas, and follow official guidance as Typhoon Bavi continues to intensify.