Beijing, July 12: Chinese authorities have intensified disaster preparedness measures across several eastern provinces as Typhoon Bavi approaches the country’s east coast, prompting mass evacuations, transport disruptions and emergency response operations.
According to Chinese state media, Zhejiang Province upgraded its typhoon emergency response to the highest level on Saturday as the storm moved toward the coast with strong typhoon intensity. The provincial meteorological observatory said Typhoon Bavi was located about 489 kilometres off the coast of Wenzhou on Saturday morning and was expected to make landfall in Zhejiang around midnight.
Authorities in Zhejiang said nearly 1.72 million people had been evacuated from vulnerable areas as a precaution. More than 12,000 schools, kindergartens and tutoring institutions suspended classes, while 830 construction sites halted operations. Passenger ferry services were suspended, 38 train services and 461 flights were cancelled, and 444 tourist attractions were temporarily closed to ensure public safety.
The province has activated its emergency command system, deploying 46,000 flood-control personnel and 308,000 grassroots workers to support disaster preparedness and response efforts. In Hangzhou, the popular West Lake scenic area was closed, with parks, museums, hiking trails, cruise services and sightseeing buses suspended ahead of the storm.
Neighbouring Shanghai has also launched extensive flood and typhoon preparedness measures. More than 34,000 residents in high risk areas have been evacuated, 32 scenic attractions have been closed and several sporting events postponed. Water authorities have lowered river and drainage system levels to create additional storage capacity exceeding 450 million cubic metres, while thousands of emergency response teams and flood control resources remain on standby.
Other eastern provinces have also strengthened preparedness. Fujian has maintained a Level II typhoon emergency response and activated a Level IV flood control response while Jiangxi upgraded its flood control response to Level III amid forecasts of heavy rainfall. Jiangsu has raised its typhoon emergency response to Level III and evacuated more than 6,400 coastal and offshore workers.
Meanwhile, Beijing remains under a Level II flood control emergency response following persistent heavy rainfall. More than 104,000 residents have been evacuated, 181 tourist attractions and over 4,300 rural homestays have been closed, and more than 27,000 rescue personnel have been deployed to prepare for flooding, landslides and other weather-related emergencies.
Chinese authorities continue to monitor the storm closely as Typhoon Bavi advances toward the eastern coastline, with emergency agencies maintaining high alert to minimise risks to life and property.