Typhoon Dolphin set to hit China's east coast, triggering flood warnings

Typhoon Dolphin is anticipated to make landfall on China's eastern coastline later this evening, August 9th, accompanied by heavy rainfall and strong winds. Authorities are on high alert for potential flooding and landslides across eastern China. The typhoon has already impacted Japan's southern Okinawa prefecture, causing six injuries and power outages for over 50,000 households.

In anticipation of the storm's arrival, Chinese authorities have evacuated offshore workers, halted vessels at sea, and intensified monitoring of reservoirs, mountain streams, landslide-prone regions, construction sites, and tourist spots. The storm is projected to hit the coast around 6 PM on August 9th and persist into Monday with maximum winds of 101 mph, classified as a Category 2 hurricane.

The National Meteorological Centre predicts torrential rain across multiple regions, including Zhejiang, Shanghai, northern Fujian, northeastern Jiangxi, central and southern Anhui, and much of Jiangsu. Areas in central and eastern Zhejiang may experience rainfall ranging from 9.8 to 19.7 inches. Following landfall, Dolphin is expected to veer westward and weaken as it moves inland, potentially prolonging heavy rainfall and escalating the risk of flooding and landslides, particularly in mountainous regions and along smaller rivers.

The Water Resources Ministry has issued a Level III flood emergency response in Zhejiang and Fujian, and a Level IV response in Jiangsu and Anhui. Meanwhile, the geological-disaster response is at Level III in Zhejiang and Level IV in Anhui, with warnings of landslide risks and other hazards. Authorities have dispatched teams to assist in Zhejiang and Fujian.

China's four-tier emergency system classifies Level I responses as the most severe. Japan has initiated evacuations as the typhoon approaches, grounding 500 flights. Additionally, Shanghai's Yangshan port has cleared ships from its docks and relocated over 500 smaller vessels to safety in preparation for Typhoon Dolphin.