China evacuates over one million as Typhoon Bavi nears

China has undertaken a massive evacuation effort, moving over 1.8 million people from its eastern coastal areas as Typhoon Bavi intensifies its approach. The major city of Wenzhou, home to approximately 10 million people, is bracing for landfall early Sunday.

“

I'm a little worried, but I think it'll be OK. We've been through typhoons before. We'll get through it.

The typhoon, packing maximum sustained winds of 144 km/h, has already battered Japan's southern Sakishima islands and skirted northern Taiwan. Despite some weakening over cooler seas, the National Meteorological Center warns that Bavi still poses a significant risk due to its extensive moisture content.

Authorities in Zhejiang province, where Wenzhou is located, evacuated more than 1.7 million people. Neighboring Fujian province also evacuated over 100,000 residents. Residents like Huang Xinghuan, 50, expressed a measured concern, noting past experiences with typhoons and confidence in available supplies.

“

I think supplies are well guaranteed now. There's no need to panic or stockpile a lot of food or other supplies.

While Japan and Taiwan largely escaped major casualties, the typhoon's indirect impact, through enhanced monsoon rains, has been devastating in the Philippines, where 17 people died. Taiwan reported 87 injuries, primarily from falls and accidents during the storm's passage.

“

It's OK, it's not that serious. It's just a little bit more wind.