China evacuates over 1 million as Typhoon Dolphin brings heavy rains

Typhoon Dolphin has caused the evacuation of over one million people in eastern China, as authorities warn of potential floods and landslides. Chinese officials evacuated more than 900,000 residents from Wenzhou, the coastal city in Zhejiang province, and opened more than 1,500 emergency shelters. In Fujian province, 98,900 people were relocated from high-risk areas.

Shanghai authorities moved 215,600 people from vulnerable regions, surpassing previous estimates of 30,300 evacuees. A central weather station in Shanghai recorded its highest 24-hour rainfall in over 150 years. Meteorologists predict that some regions may experience rainfall between 200 and 400 millimeters over the next few days.

The typhoon, which has been downgraded to a tropical storm, is expected to continue bringing heavy rain to eastern and central China, affecting areas including Shandong, Henan, Hubei, Anhui, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors during periods of intense rainfall, warning that heavy rain through Wednesday could lead to widespread flooding and landslides.

The typhoon disrupted travel in China, canceling over 1,300 flights at Shanghai's airports. Dolphin previously made landfall in Okinawa prefecture in southern Japan, injuring six people and cutting power to around 50,000 buildings. In the Philippines, while the typhoon did not make landfall in the north, it intensified monsoon rains, causing flooding in northern Luzon, including areas near Manila.

Scientists have noted that global warming has increased the likelihood of extreme weather events, such as more powerful tropical cyclones.