China issues red alert for rainstorms as Typhoon Bavi makes landfall

BEIJING, July 12: Nearly 2 million people have been evacuated in eastern China as Typhoon Bavi made landfall in Zhejiang Province, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall to the region.
The ninth typhoon of the year struck Yuhuan City late Saturday night, with winds at its centre reaching 40 metres per second, according to Chinese meteorological authorities.
China issued its highest-level red alert for rainstorms and an orange alert for the typhoon as officials prepared for possible flooding, landslides and other weather-related emergencies.
Heavy rainfall was expected across Zhejiang, northern Fujian, northeastern Jiangxi, southern Anhui, as well as parts of Beijing and Hebei.
The storm disrupted daily life and transport across eastern China. Several flights and ferry services were cancelled, including around 60 flights operated by China Southern Airlines and Spring Airlines to and from Shanghai. More than 50 tourist attractions in Shanghai were temporarily closed or had their operating hours adjusted.
Zhejiang raised its emergency response level to the highest category, allowing large-scale evacuations, school and workplace closures, and rapid deployment of resources. Beijing also activated flood-control measures in nine districts facing heavy rainfall.
Authorities said Typhoon Bavi is expected to move northwest after making landfall and later shift northward. Emergency teams remain on alert as affected areas continue monitoring rainfall, flooding risks and possible damage. (PTI)