Typhoon Bavi batters eastern China, threatens days of heavy rain

Typhoon Bavi, the most powerful storm to strike mainland China this year, battered the eastern coast with heavy rain and violent winds on Sunday. Forecasters warned that the storm system, comparable in size to France, could unleash prolonged and widespread rain across eastern and northern China in the coming days.

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The winds were very strong. We could hear roof tiles and tree branches falling. Of course we were scared, but ⁠we live by the sea, so we’re used to it.

Nearly 2 million people were evacuated ahead of Bavi's arrival, with most displacements occurring in Zhejiang province, a major economic and technological hub. The typhoon made landfall in Zhejiang's coastal city of Yuhuan late Saturday before a second landfall in Yueqing. Residents described hearing roof tiles and tree branches falling, and experiencing unprecedentedly high water levels.

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There used to be a walkway there, but now it’s underwater.

Across Yueqing, more than 1,300 trees fell, with over 700 uprooted entirely. Flooding reached approximately half the height of a vehicle tire in some areas. Emergency crews worked to clear waterlogged streets, while a landslide in the mountainous north sent boulders onto a road. In the coastal fishing town of Kanmen, a shop owner estimated damage exceeding 6,000 yuan ($885) after rainwater flooded his business.

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After it came ashore, there was nothing we could do. Rainwater poured into the house. We spent the whole night dealing ⁠with it and didn’t get to sleep until after 5 a.m.

Bavi also impacted Taiwan on Saturday, causing strong winds and heavy rain. The island's fire department reported 134 injuries, mostly minor incidents. The storm led to the cancellation of 137 international and 62 domestic flights in Taiwan. Transport networks in China also faced disruptions.

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It was a very powerful typhoon. It made landfall right here in Kanmen. We were right in its path.