Typhoon Bavi has made landfall in China, marking the second typhoon to strike the country within a week. On July 11, 2026, nearly two million people were evacuated from various regions, particularly in Zhejiang province, as the storm approached. The typhoon first hit the coastal city of Taizhou before making a second landfall in Wenzhou.
Initially classified as a super typhoon, Bavi had wind speeds of 290 km/h (180 mph) but has since weakened to a severe tropical storm with winds of 144 km/h. Despite this reduction in intensity, the storm continues to pose significant risks due to its heavy rainfall and moisture-laden rain bands. Forecasts indicate that Bavi will move northwest towards eastern Anhui on Monday and then to the northern Yellow Sea from the Shandong Peninsula on Tuesday.
Impact and Evacuations
In Zhejiang province, over 1.7 million people were evacuated, with additional evacuations occurring in neighboring provinces. Schools, work, and outdoor activities have been suspended as a precautionary measure. Authorities have also canceled about 400 flights and numerous train services. The city of Wenzhou, home to approximately 10 million residents, is particularly at risk, prompting city officials to evacuate hundreds of thousands of residents.
Local resident Li Liangxing described the experience, stating, "We could hear roof tiles and tree branches falling," which underscores the fear and uncertainty felt by those in the storm's path. In response to the impending danger, Beijing ordered the evacuation of an additional 100,000 residents to mitigate risks.
