Typhoon “Dolphin” Hits Asia, Over 1,300 Flights Canceled and More Than 400,000 Residents Evacuated

Authorities in eastern China have raised the alert level ahead of the arrival of Typhoon “Dolphin.” A large-scale evacuation operation has been launched in response to powerful winds, heavy rainfall and the threat of flooding.

According to weather forecasts, the typhoon’s main impact is expected to be felt in Zhejiang province and the northern part of neighboring Fujian province.

The powerful weather system has already affected northern Taiwan. On Saturday, the typhoon’s outer bands also brought heavy rainfall to the capital, Taipei.

The worsening weather has forced Taiwanese airlines to cancel flights to China, causing significant disruption to air traffic across the region.

Winds accompanying Typhoon “Dolphin” have reached a maximum speed of around 162 kilometers per hour.

In addition to the strong winds, the heavy rainfall forecast for the coming days remains a serious concern. In some areas, total rainfall could reach between 200 and 400 millimeters.

Such conditions significantly increase the risk of flooding and landslides, particularly in areas expected to be hit directly by the storm system.

In Shanghai, severe weather has brought much of the city’s air traffic to a standstill. More than 1,300 flights have been canceled at the city’s two main airports, Pudong and Hongqiao.

The canceled flights account for around 60% of journeys scheduled for Sunday. Authorities and airlines are taking measures in anticipation of a further deterioration in weather conditions.

Meanwhile, Chinese authorities have begun moving residents out of areas considered most at risk along the typhoon’s path.

In the city of Taizhou, in Zhejiang province, around 390,000 people have been evacuated from their homes as a precaution.

Similar measures have also been implemented in Shanghai, where more than 30,000 residents have been relocated from high-risk areas as preparations continue for the main impact of Typhoon “Dolphin.”

Local authorities continue to monitor developments and have stepped up their preparedness, as heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected to further worsen the situation in areas lying in the typhoon’s path.