Typhoon Dolphin to Make Landfall in Eastern China Soon, Highest-Level Red Alert Issued

▲ Typhoon Dolphin

As the 13th Typhoon "Dolphin" is expected to make landfall on the eastern coast of China, tensions are running high with Chinese authorities issuing the highest-level alert and launching massive evacuations.

According to China's National Meteorological Center, Typhoon Dolphin is currently moving westward at a speed of 20 to 25 km/h over waters east of Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, as of this afternoon.

Dolphin is projected to make landfall along the coast between Zhejiang and Fujian provinces from this evening to the early hours of August 10.

The National Meteorological Center has upgraded its typhoon warning to a red alert, the highest tier.

The meteorological agency forecasted that torrential rains will lash regions including Zhejiang, Shanghai, Fujian, Jiangsu, Anhui, and Jiangxi until the afternoon of August 10 due to the typhoon's impact.

In particular, authorities raised the possibility of record-breaking torrential rains reaching 250 to 500 mm in some areas of Zhejiang Province.

In Fujian Province, which has entered the typhoon's direct impact zone, large-scale resident evacuations are already underway.

According to Fujian provincial authorities, a total of 98,900 people had been relocated to safe zones as of 6:00 p.m. the previous day.

Maritime traffic has also been restricted, with all offshore construction sites suspending work and coastal passenger ferry routes halting operations.

Flights have experienced disruptions as well.

Ningbo Lishe International Airport in Zhejiang Province announced that it will suspend all flight operations until August 10.

China's railway authorities also announced the suspension of some passenger train services operating to and from Fujian and Zhejiang provinces until August 10.

Major tourist attractions in Shanghai are also closing.

Shanghai Legoland Resort announced it will halt operations starting at 6:00 p.m. today, and Shanghai Disney Resort stated it will also suspend operations starting at 9:00 p.m.

China's meteorological authorities urged caution, stating, "After making landfall, Dolphin will gradually weaken as it moves northwest," while adding, "We must prepare for the possibility of secondary damages such as floods and landslides caused by strong winds and heavy rain."

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