TYPHOON DOLPHIN HITS CHINA

TYPHOON OVER 1 MILLION EVACUATED AS FLOODS AND TRAVEL DISRUPTIONS SPREAD

August 9, 2026

Typhoon Dolphin has made landfall along China’s eastern coast, bringing powerful winds, torrential rainfall and a serious risk of flooding and landslides across several provinces.

The storm has triggered one of the largest emergency responses in the region so far this year, with more than 1 million people evacuated from areas considered vulnerable to the typhoon’s effects. Authorities in Zhejiang, Fujian, Shanghai and Jiangsu have implemented emergency measures as the storm moves inland.

Typhoon Dolphin is being described as the strongest tropical cyclone to hit China so far in 2026. Winds reached approximately 151 kilometres per hour when the storm made landfall near Yuhuan in Zhejiang province on Sunday.

MORE THAN 1 MILLION PEOPLE EVACUATED

Chinese authorities moved large numbers of residents from coastal and other high-risk areas before the typhoon reached land.

Zhejiang province has been particularly affected. In Wenzhou alone, more than 900,000 people were reportedly relocated as authorities prepared for dangerous winds, heavy rain and possible flooding.

Fujian province also evacuated tens of thousands of residents, while emergency teams were placed on standby in areas threatened by flooding and landslides.

The large-scale evacuations are intended to reduce casualties and protect residents in low-lying coastal communities.

SHANGHAI CANCELS ABOUT 1,500 FLIGHTS

The typhoon has caused major disruption to transportation.

Shanghai’s Pudong and Hongqiao airports cancelled about 1,500 flights, affecting thousands of passengers travelling into and out of one of China’s most important international transport centres.

Other airports in eastern China have also experienced cancellations and disruptions as airlines respond to dangerous weather conditions.

Passengers have been advised to check directly with their airlines before travelling because flight schedules may continue to change as the storm progresses.

PORTS AND MARINE ACTIVITIES SUSPENDED

Authorities have also taken action to protect ships and people working at sea.

Marine operations have been suspended in affected areas, while vessels have been moved away from dangerous sections of the coast.

Shanghai’s Yangshan port also took precautionary measures, with vessels moved from exposed areas as the typhoon approached.

Ferry and cruise operations in Zhejiang have been suspended because of dangerous sea conditions.

These measures are particularly important because powerful winds and large waves can create dangerous conditions for ships, fishing boats and coastal communities.

HEAVY RAIN CREATES FLOOD AND LANDSLIDE RISKS

Although strong winds are one of the most immediate dangers, authorities are also concerned about the amount of rainfall associated with Typhoon Dolphin.

Forecasters have warned that some areas could receive between 200 and 400 millimetres of rain over the coming days.

Such rainfall can quickly overwhelm drainage systems, rivers and reservoirs, particularly in mountainous and densely populated areas.

Flooding and landslides are therefore major concerns as the storm continues moving inland.

Residents in affected regions have been urged to follow instructions from local authorities and avoid unnecessary travel during the dangerous weather.

JAPAN AND TAIWAN ALSO AFFECTED

Typhoon Dolphin has already caused disruption beyond mainland China.

Before reaching China, the storm affected Japan’s southern Okinawa region, where several people were injured and electricity supplies were disrupted for tens of thousands of buildings.

Northern Taiwan has also experienced heavy rainfall and transportation disruptions connected to the storm.

The typhoon demonstrates how a major tropical cyclone can affect several countries and territories as it moves across the western Pacific.

CHINA ACTIVATES EMERGENCY MEASURES

Authorities in affected Chinese provinces have activated emergency responses and increased preparations for possible flooding, landslides and infrastructure damage.

Schools, tourist attractions and water-based recreational activities have been suspended in some areas.

Emergency personnel, rescue teams and equipment have been positioned in vulnerable locations so they can respond quickly if flooding or other disasters occur.

Residents have also been encouraged to secure outdoor objects and remain indoors during periods of dangerous weather.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The immediate priority for authorities is protecting lives while monitoring the typhoon’s movement.

As Typhoon Dolphin moves inland, its winds are expected to weaken, but heavy rainfall could continue creating dangerous conditions even after the strongest winds have passed.

This means that the risk may not end immediately after landfall.

Flooding, landslides, fallen trees, power interruptions and transportation disruptions could continue affecting communities across eastern China.

Authorities are expected to continue monitoring rivers, reservoirs and vulnerable infrastructure while emergency teams remain ready to assist affected residents.

CONCLUSION

Typhoon Dolphin has become a major weather emergency for eastern China, with more than 1 million people evacuated, widespread travel disruptions and significant concerns over flooding and landslides.

The cancellation of approximately 1,500 flights in Shanghai, suspension of marine activities and large-scale evacuations demonstrate the seriousness of the situation.

As the typhoon moves inland, residents in affected areas are being urged to remain cautious and follow official safety instructions.

The situation remains developing, and further information about flooding, infrastructure damage and transportation disruptions is expected as authorities assess the storm’s full impact.

Source basis: Reuters and Associated Press reports published August 9, 2026.