Typhoon Bavi makes landfall in China, downgraded to severe tropical storm on July 12, 2026

Typhoon Bavi made landfall in eastern China on July 12, 2026, where it was downgraded to a severe tropical storm after packing winds of 144 kilometers (90 miles) per hour. Authorities evacuated nearly 2 million people as the storm approached, but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency.

Impact of Typhoon Bavi on Taiwan and Japan

Before reaching China, Typhoon Bavi caused significant disruptions in northern Taiwan and Japan's southwestern islands. The storm brought down trees and left tens of thousands without power. In Taiwan, over 14,000 residents were evacuated from their homes, and hundreds of flights were canceled as the storm approached. Additionally, more than 170,000 households experienced power outages due to the typhoon.

In Japan, the Miyako region was particularly hard hit, with thousands of households losing electricity. The typhoon's strong winds and heavy rain led to dangerous conditions, prompting evacuations and disruptions across the region.

Evacuations and Preparations in Eastern China

As Typhoon Bavi approached, authorities took extensive measures to ensure public safety. By Saturday morning, around 1.72 million people had been evacuated to safe locations in Zhejiang province. The government suspended classes, work, and outdoor activities, while over 400 flights and numerous train services were canceled.

The Zhejiang provincial officials warned of severe weather, forecasting torrential rain and the possibility of flash floods. The government in Wenzhou emphasized a proactive approach to mitigate the storm's impact, stating, "The proactive, all-out mobilization, which is sparing no effort or cost, is undertaken entirely to guard against the (worst-case) scenario."

Death Toll and Damages in the Philippines

In the Philippines, the aftermath of Typhoon Bavi has been devastating, with the death toll rising to 18 due to landslides and other incidents triggered by heavy rains. Nearly 11,000 individuals have fled their homes, and ports across the archipelago remain closed, with 313 vessels seeking shelter.

As extreme weather continues to affect the region, the consequences of Bavi highlight the increasing intensity of tropical storms, exacerbated by warmer ocean temperatures and the ongoing El Niño phenomenon. The European Union's Copernicus Marine Service noted that oceans experienced their hottest June on record, a factor contributing to the severity of storms like Bavi.