China braces for Typhoon Dolphin after storm lashes Japan's southern islands

Typhoon Dolphin made landfall in Japan's southern Okinawa prefecture over the weekend, causing significant damage and injuries. Six people were injured, and over 50,000 buildings lost power. Winds reached 162 km/h, with gusts up to 216 kph. China, anticipating the typhoon, closed ports and halted ferries along its east coast. Authorities there categorized Dolphin as an orange-category storm, indicating a severe threat.

In China, the emergency response level was raised to the second-lowest, indicating heightened preparedness. Forecasters predict the typhoon's center will pass between Zhoushan city in Zhejiang province and Fuding city in Fujian province, with winds potentially reaching 38-45 meters per second. China's National Marine Forecasting Center issued a red-level warning for waves, forecasting 5-to-8-meter waves in coastal waters off Zhejiang through Sunday afternoon.

The typhoon is expected to impact eastern China through August 12, with Shanghai and neighboring provinces likely to experience heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds. Some areas may see rainfall exceeding 80mm an hour. Zhejiang, a major economic hub, raised its coastal typhoon alert to its highest level and suspended port operations.

Shanghai's Yangshan port halted all vessels by late Friday, and some rail services in the Yangtze River Delta will be suspended on Sunday. Beijing is monitoring the typhoon's path and preparing flood control and evacuation plans for the capital. Taiwan, mainland China's self-governing island, cancelled 78 international flights due to the storm.

Heavy rain is expected in northern Taiwan over the weekend, though no evacuations have been ordered. China has instructed ships passing through the Taiwan Strait to heed its traffic control instructions, a move Taiwan deems unreasonable, as it claims sovereignty over the strategic strait.