Shanghai submerged in 'ocean' before Typhoon Haikui landfall

Shanghai was once again transformed into a "Venice of the East" as torrential rains caused widespread flooding across the city, just hours before Typhoon Haikui made landfall.

Residents shared dramatic footage on social media showing streets submerged in water, with depths reaching up to knee-level in several districts. Cars and motorcycles were seen abandoned or struggling to navigate the inundated roads, while pedestrians faced difficult passage. This event follows a "once-in-a-century rainstorm" that flooded Shanghai in late July.

As Typhoon Haikui, packing winds of up to 14級 (Category 4 equivalent), approached China's coast, authorities initiated large-scale evacuations. Approximately 210,000 people were relocated from vulnerable areas across southeastern provinces, including nearly 99,000 in Fujian and around 80,000 in Taizhou. Over 30,000 people were evacuated in Shanghai itself.

Transportation services were significantly impacted. Shanghai Metro announced speed restrictions on multiple lines, while high-speed rail services connecting to cities like Ningbo, Fuzhou, and Xiamen were suspended. Despite official reports describing the water as "accumulated," local residents used terms like "flooding" to describe the severe conditions, with some joking about their city becoming "Shanghai Venice."

Official Chinese media reported that Shanghai's water levels were only around ankle-deep, and predicted rain and wind would continue until around August 11. However, social media posts depicted much more severe flooding, with water reaching thigh-level in some areas and completely obscuring roads. Images also showed water surging into ground-floor shops and businesses, causing alarm among owners.