Shanghai: China has stepped up emergency preparations as Typhoon Dolphin approaches the country’s eastern coast, bringing the threat of powerful winds, intense rainfall, flooding and landslides.

More than 1,300 flights have been cancelled at Shanghai’s Pudong and Hongqiao airports, disrupting air travel in one of China’s busiest aviation hubs. Around 60% of scheduled flights at the two airports have reportedly been cancelled as the storm approaches.

Storm Packing Winds of Up to 162 kmph

Typhoon Dolphin is expected to make landfall along China’s eastern coast, with maximum sustained winds reaching around 162 kmph, according to current reports.

The storm has already brought heavy rainfall to parts of the region and affected northern Taiwan before moving towards mainland China.

Mass Evacuations Underway

Chinese authorities have begun moving people out of vulnerable areas as the threat of flooding and landslides increases.

More than 390,000 people have reportedly been evacuated in Taizhou, while over 30,000 people have been relocated in Shanghai as a precaution.

Authorities are paying particular attention to coastal areas, reservoirs, mountainous regions and locations vulnerable to landslides.

Zhejiang Among Worst-Affected Areas

Zhejiang province is expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with parts of the province potentially receiving extremely heavy rainfall.

Forecasters have warned of rainfall of 200–400 mm, with some areas of Zhejiang potentially receiving even higher totals. Flooding is considered a major risk, particularly around smaller rivers and mountainous areas.

Neighbouring provinces including Fujian, Jiangsu, Anhui and Jiangxi, along with Shanghai, are also expected to experience heavy rainfall as the system moves inland.

Ports and Marine Operations Suspended

China has also tightened restrictions on maritime activity.

More than 500 vessels were moved away from Shanghai’s Yangshan port as a precaution, while ferries, cruises and other water-based transportation services have been suspended in affected areas.

Emergency Response Intensified

Authorities in Zhejiang and Fujian have activated Level III emergency responses, while Jiangsu and Anhui have also raised their preparedness levels.

Officials are closely monitoring high-risk zones for flooding, landslides and other geological hazards.

Although the typhoon is expected to weaken after making landfall, forecasters warn that prolonged heavy rainfall could continue to create flooding and landslide risks even after the storm loses strength.

China Braces for Major Weather Disruption

With airports cancelling thousands of flights, vessels being moved to safety and hundreds of thousands of people evacuated, China is preparing for significant disruption as Typhoon Dolphin approaches.

The immediate focus remains on protecting lives, securing critical infrastructure and preventing flood and landslide-related casualties as the storm moves towards the eastern Chinese coast.