Powerful Typhoon Bavi is approaching China: thousands of people are being evacuated

Typhoon Bavi is approaching China’s east coast with wind speeds of up to 162 km/h. In coastal regions, residents are being evacuated, ferry services are being suspended, and rescue teams are being mobilized. Learn more about the typhoon’s path, the regions at risk, and the aftermath of previous floods in China

China is bracing for another natural disaster, even as it continues to recover from Tropical Storm Maysak. Over the past week, storms, floods, tornadoes, and landslides have claimed the lives of at least 50 people in various regions of the country. Now, Typhoon Bavi is approaching the east coast, having already caused transportation restrictions, school closures, and evacuations.

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Typhoon Bavi Approaches China’s East Coast: Trajectory and Wind Speed

According to weather forecasts, wind speeds near the center of Bavi are reaching 162 km/h. On the evening of July 10, the typhoon is expected to pass north of Taiwan, then brush past remote Japanese islands and continue moving toward mainland China.

Bavi is expected to make landfall on the evening of July 11 south of Shanghai, near the border between Zhejiang and Fujian provinces. The cyclone had previously reached super typhoon strength and brought destructive winds to Saipan and other U.S. islands in the Pacific Ocean, but it weakened somewhat as it approached East Asia. Despite this, it remains dangerous due to strong winds, high waves, and the risk of heavy rainfall.

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Evacuations and Flight Cancellations: How the Region Is Preparing for Typhoon Bavi

Authorities in China and Taiwan are imposing restrictions even before the main part of the storm arrives. The greatest dangers are strong winds, heavy rains, high waves, and possible flooding in coastal areas.

As of July 10:

- More than 17,000 people have been evacuated in Zhejiang Province

- About 170,000 rescue workers have been placed on high alert

- Ferry service has been suspended in Fujian Province

- Fishing vessels have been ordered to return to port

- Schools in Taipei have been closed, and fishing boats have been moored

- Some flights to Japan, Hong Kong, and other destinations have been canceled

Passengers are advised to check the status of flights and ferries immediately before departure, as restrictions may change depending on the typhoon’s path.

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The aftermath of Typhoon Maysak and devastating floods in southern China

A new typhoon is approaching the country while the southern regions are still recovering from Tropical Storm Maysak. It was the first cyclone to make landfall in China in 2026, passing through Hainan Island and causing record-breaking rainfall in Guangxi.

According to the latest data, 39 people have died in the province, and more than 130,000 residents have had to be evacuated. Due to prolonged rainfall, rivers burst their banks, reservoirs overflowed, and a section of a dam near the city of Hangzhou collapsed under the pressure of the water.

A torrent of water, mud, and silt flooded homes, roads, and farmland. In some towns, the water rose to the second floors, forcing people to wait for rescuers on rooftops and upper floors of buildings, sometimes without electricity for several days. New rainfall that Bavi may bring is placing additional strain on regions where rescue operations are still underway.

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Why might the 2026 typhoon season be particularly dangerous?

China’s National Climate Center forecasts that up to six typhoons could form in July in the northwestern Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea. By comparison, the average for this month is 3.8 cyclones.

According to estimates by Chinese meteorologists:

- Up to three typhoons may make landfall, while the average is 1.8

- The cyclones may be more powerful than usual

- The risk of heavy rainfall, flooding, landslides, and damage to farmland will remain high

Experts attribute the increased danger to ocean warming, climate change, and the possible formation of El Niño. This phenomenon could shift typhoon paths closer to the Chinese coast, while a warmer atmosphere allows storms to carry more moisture. Scientists interviewed by Reuters warn that cyclones are becoming wetter and more destructive, and the intervals between extreme weather events are shrinking.

We previously reported that a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Japan.

What should tourists in China, Taiwan, and neighboring regions keep in mind?

The greatest risk in the coming days will remain in Taiwan, the remote southern islands of Japan, and the eastern coast of China, particularly in Zhejiang and Fujian provinces. Severe weather may affect not only air travel but also ferry, rail, and road services.

Travelers should:

- Check flight status on the airline’s and airport’s websites;

- Monitor announcements from local meteorological and emergency services;

- Check the schedules for ferries and other intercity transportation;

- Avoid going to the coast, piers, and waterfront areas during strong winds;

- Avoid flooded roads, tunnels, underpasses, and areas near rivers;

- Keep your phone and power bank charged, and store documents and medications in waterproof packaging.

Before traveling, it’s also a good idea to check the terms of your travel insurance. Not all policies provide the same coverage for flight cancellations, forced extensions of your stay, or other expenses caused by a typhoon.

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