China Orders Massive Evacuations Ahead of Typhoon Bavi’s Expected Landfall

Chinese authorities evacuated more than 600,000 residents on Saturday as Typhoon Bavi advanced towards the country’s eastern coastline, triggering widespread emergency measures across China, Taiwan and parts of Japan.

More than 500,000 people were relocated from Zhejiang province, while over 100,000 others were evacuated from neighboring Fujian as officials prepared for the storm’s expected landfall near Wenzhou in the early hours of Sunday. China’s National Meteorological Center issued an orange typhoon alert and a red rainstorm warning, prompting the suspension of ferry services, high-speed rail operations and numerous flights. More than 17,000 emergency responders have been deployed in Fujian to assist with rescue and relief operations if required.

Although Bavi has weakened from its earlier super typhoon status after moving over cooler waters, forecasters warned that the system still carries enormous amounts of moisture capable of producing torrential rainfall, flash floods and landslides across eastern China. Meteorologists said the storm remains one of the largest to threaten the region in decades.

Taiwan narrowly avoided a direct landfall but continued to experience heavy rain and strong winds. Authorities evacuated more than 14,000 residents, primarily from mountainous and landslide-prone areas, while schools, government offices and businesses remained closed across much of the island. Nearly all domestic flights and several international services were cancelled, and officials reported 87 weather-related injuries, most linked to traffic accidents and storm conditions. Some mountainous regions were forecast to receive up to one meter of rainfall.

Earlier on Saturday, Typhoon Bavi lashed Japan’s southern Sakishima Island chain, bringing heavy rain, powerful winds and widespread transport disruptions before tracking towards China’s coast.

The Philippines also continued to face severe impacts from monsoon rains intensified by the typhoon, with at least 17 deaths reported due to floods and landslides. Authorities across East Asia remain on high alert as Bavi approaches landfall, urging residents to stay indoors, monitor official weather advisories and avoid unnecessary travel until the storm weakens.