CHINA BLOW BY BLOW: Eastern China is facing severe weather chaos following the arrival of Typhoon Dolphin, the most powerful storm to strike the country this year.
The supercharged weather system has submerged coastal zones, turned streets in the global financial center of Shanghai into rivers, and forced authorities to displace over 1.0 million residents to safe shelters across eastern provinces.
Although Chinese meteorological officials downgraded Dolphin from a tropical storm status as it moved inland, strict warnings for torrential rains, catastrophic flash floods, and severe landslides remain active through Wednesday as the storm pushes northward.
Earlier in the week, Chinese authorities issued their highest Red Alert level, reflecting the severe threat posed by this giant atmospheric phenomenon.
LANDFALL DOUBLE-BLOW: 150 KM/H WINDS BATTER COASTLINE
CHINA BLOW BY BLOW: Typhoon Dolphin made a destructive double landfall over Zhejiang province:
First Landfall: The storm slammed directly into the city of Yuhuan in Zhejiang province at 5:30 PM local time (9:30 AM GMT) on Sunday, bringing howling winds with maximum speeds of 150 km/h (94 mph).
Second Landfall: Approximately one hour later, the storm struck a second time near the major coastal city of Wenzhou.
“Monster Lifespan”: CCTV reported that before making landfall, Dolphin traveled an astonishing 3,728 miles (6,000 km). This extended its lifespan to three times longer than a typical typhoon, allowing it to gather an immense cloud system that completely enveloped eastern China.
Because of its extraordinary size and trajectory, officials are already drawing alarming comparisons between Dolphin and Typhoon Doxuri of 2022, which devastated southeastern Fujian province before sweeping north to cause record-breaking floods in Beijing.
SHANGHAI AT A STANDSTILL: SUBWAY-TO-STREET INUNDATION
CHINA BLOW BY BLOW: Shanghai, home to over 24 million people and China’s economic engine, bore a massive hit from the storm’s heavy rainfall:
Air Travel Chaos: Around 40% of all flights at Shanghai’s major international airports were canceled on Monday due to zero visibility and strong crosswinds.
Popular Districts Submerged: In the popular Former French Concession area, ground-floor shops were flooded, leaving tourists and locals wading through ankle-deep water.
Suburban Flooding: Live streams posted on social media showed several key roads in the Jiading and Qingpu suburban districts completely submerged, with residents trudging through knee-deep muddy water.
To keep civilians safe, local authorities ordered the temporary closure of major tourist spots, including portions of Shanghai Disneyland, Legoland, and several elevated viewing platforms along the historic Bund waterfront.
MULTI-PROVINCE DOWNPOUR: WIDE RED ZONE IN EFFECT
The threat extends far beyond Shanghai. A massive rain belt covers several heavily populated eastern and central provinces. Heavy rain alerts were issued on Monday across:
1.Shandong
2. Henan
3. Hubei
4. Anhui
5. Jiangsu
6. Zhejiang
7. Shanghai Municipality
Meteorologists estimate that parts of Zhejiang province could receive between 250 mm to 500 mm (10 to 20 inches) of rainfall over the next few days, creating a high risk of river surges and urban flooding.
HUMAN IMPACT & EMERGENCY RELIEF RESPONSES
Local governments across the affected zone are taking extraordinary measures to protect lives and maintain order:
Massive Evacuations: Emergency workers relocated more than 1,000,000 citizens from low-lying coastal areas, vulnerable riverbanks, and weak structures to government shelters.
Free Emergency Parking in Hangzhou: In Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province, municipal authorities waived all public parking fees to allow drivers to park on high ground and shelter safely away from rising floodwaters and violent wind gusts.
Casualties & Missing Persons: While official government channels have not yet confirmed storm-related fatalities, state media reported that a 9-year-old boy went missing after being swept away by violent sea waves in Wenling, Zhejiang.
Emergency management agencies continue to urge all residents across the affected provinces to cancel outdoor activities, remain indoors, and follow real-time alerts as the storm moves further north.