Typhoon Dolphin hits China’s east coast; over 1m evacuated

Typhoon Dolphin, the strongest tropical cyclone to impact China this year, struck the eastern coastline on Sunday, unleashing heavy rain and powerful winds. The storm caused six injuries in Japan's Okinawa region and left over 50,000 buildings without power. Dolphin arrived near Yuhuan in Zhejiang province around 5:30 p.m. local time, with maximum sustained winds of 42 meters per second (151 km/h), equivalent to a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

Authorities swiftly evacuated residents, moved offshore workers to safety, and halted vessels. Torrential rain is expected through August 10, particularly in Zhejiang, Shanghai, Fujian, Jiangxi, Anhui, and Jiangsu provinces. Parts of central and eastern Zhejiang may receive 250-500 mm (9.8-19.7 inches) of rain. The storm's westward movement and weakening over central and southwestern China could prolong heavy rain and increase the risk of flooding and landslides, especially in mountainous regions and along smaller rivers.

Transportation across eastern China was severely disrupted, with more than 1 million people evacuated. Shanghai canceled approximately 1,500 flights, and Shanghai's Yangshan port cleared ships from its berths. The water resources ministry warned of possible major flooding in the Qiantang, Yong, Jiao, and Shuiyang rivers, while smaller rivers in affected areas could rise above warning levels.

Authorities advised residents in red mountain-torrent warning zones to follow evacuation orders. Scientists attribute the heightened likelihood of extreme weather events, such as stronger typhoons, to global warming.