Typhoon Dolphin Hits China, Forcing 1 Million to Evacuate Amid Heavy Rains and Winds

Typhoon Dolphin has struck eastern China, prompting the emergency evacuation of more than one million residents from Shanghai and other coastal areas. The powerful storm unleashed torrential rains, with accumulations reaching up to 500mm, and sustained winds of 150 km/h, leading to severe flooding and the cancellation of numerous flights.

The typhoon first made landfall on August 9th in Yuyao, Zhejiang province, before a second landfall in Wenzhou. Its maximum observed wind speed was approximately 151 km/h, with a massive diameter estimated at 1300 km, larger than the entire Korean Peninsula.

Chinese authorities issued large-scale evacuation orders due to the high risk of heavy rainfall and landslides. In Shanghai alone, around 1300 flights were canceled in a single day. Zhejiang province also suspended ferry and cruise operations. Major tourist attractions, including parts of Disneyland and Legoland, as well as the Shanghai Bund observation deck, were temporarily closed.

Authorities have cautioned that the threat of heavy rain, floods, and landslides will persist in the typhoon's path until August 12th. Adding to the crisis, the storm's unusual longevity, having traveled 6000 km before landfall, three times the typical lifespan of a typhoon, has amplified its impact. The situation has also been complicated by the spread of fake AI-generated videos, with local authorities detaining individuals for distributing false content.