In brief
Typhoon Bavi, a severe tropical storm after initially being a super‑typhoon, made landfall in China’s eastern Zhejiang province on July 11, 2026. Nearly two million residents were moved to safety, schools and flights were canceled, and countless homes faced flooding and damage. The storm followed a pattern of rapid intensification, having previously battered Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, and it is expected to weaken as it heads northwest. In Taiwan and the Philippines, heavy rains triggered damage and landslides, while the earlier Typhoon Maysak has left parts of southern China still recovering.
On July 11, 2026, Typhoon Bavi, which once spanned 1,000 km across the Pacific, made its second landfall in China after first touching Taizhou late Saturday. The storm’s wide expanse of wind and rain forced the evacuation of almost two million people from Zhejiang and surrounding provinces.
Mass Evacuations and Disruptions
- Over 1.7 million residents were moved to safer locations in Zhejiang alone.
- Hundreds of thousands more in nearby provinces and the capital Beijing were also evacuated.
- Schools, work, and outdoor activities were suspended; more than 400 flights and dozens of train services were canceled.
Storm Impact and Path
While the eye of Bavi moved over Hangzhou City on Sunday morning, forecasters predicted a gradual weakening as it proceeded northwest across eastern Anhui and eventually the northern Yellow Sea. The storm, now a severe tropical storm, still carries a massive rain band capable of producing heavy rainfall, with some areas experiencing up to one metre of rain.
Broader Regional Response
In Taiwan, authorities warned of intense rainfall and issued evacuation notices, while flights and classes were suspended. The Philippines endured landslides that claimed at least 17 lives earlier in the week. Earlier in the same week, Typhoon Maysak had already left 39 people dead and caused extensive agricultural losses, including rare tornadoes in central Hubei.
Local Voices
Zeroing in on Zhejiang’s Wenzhou region, local residents reported loud noises as roof tiles and tree branches fell during the violent winds. Another citizen mentioned, “We were scared,” highlighting the psychological toll of the storm.
Looking Ahead
The government remains vigilant, with emergency services prepared for further heavy rainfall and potential flooding as the storm continues. Communities are advised to stay updated with local weather alerts and follow official evacuation orders.