Typhoon «Dolphin» is expected to make landfall on China’s east coast on Sunday evening or early on Monday morning, according to the country’s National Meteorological Centre. Sustained wind speeds are expected to reach 162 km/h. The authorities have warned of the risk of flooding and landslides, and are forecasting up to 500 mm of rainfall in parts of central and eastern Zhejiang.
Briefly about the main points
- A typhoon is expected to hit the east coast of China on Monday night.
- The heaviest rainfall is forecast for central and eastern Zhejiang.
- Four rivers may experience severe flooding.
- More than 1,300 flights have been cancelled in Shanghai.
- In Okinawa, a storm left six people injured and caused widespread power cuts.
Heavy rain is set to affect several eastern regions
Heavy rain is forecast until 10 August in Zhejiang, Shanghai, northern Fujian, north-eastern Jiangxi, central and southern Anhui, and most of Jiangsu. According to Wang Haiping, chief meteorologist at the National Meteorological Centre, once «Dolphin» makes landfall, it is forecast to move westwards.
The risk of flooding is increasing on small rivers and in the mountains
The typhoon’s slowdown over central and south-western China may prolong the period of heavy rainfall, although the storm itself will gradually weaken. The greatest risks are associated with mountainous areas and small rivers.
The Ministry of Water Resources has issued a warning of possible severe flooding on the Qiantang, Yong, Jiao and Shuiyang rivers. Water levels on smaller rivers in the worst-affected areas may exceed warning levels.
Zhejiang and Fujian remain on flood response level III, whilst Jiangsu and Anhui are on level IV. The Chinese scale has four levels, with level I being the highest. The Ministry of Emergency Management has sent task forces to Zhejiang and Fujian.
Ports and transport authorities have introduced precautionary restrictions
The authorities have evacuated offshore workers to safe locations and ordered vessels to return to port. Additional inspections have been organised at reservoirs, mountain streams, areas prone to landslides, construction sites and tourist attractions.
At the Yangshan Port in Shanghai, berths have been cleared and more than 500 small and medium-sized vessels have been moved to shelter. More than 1,300 flights have been cancelled at the city’s two main airports.
Before reaching China, the storm passed over Okinawa in Japan
Before approaching China, the «Dolphin» passed through a southern Japanese prefecture Okinawa. Six people were injured there, and more than 50,000 buildings were left without electricity.
Zhejiang has activated Level III of its geological hazard response, whilst Anhui has activated Level IV. Residents in areas under a red alert for flash floods have been urged to follow local evacuation orders.
