Typhoon Bavi makes landfall in China, nearly two million evacuated

The typhoon first hit Taizhou and then Wenzhou, bringing heavy rainfall after affecting remote Japanese islands and Taiwan. Although it has weakened to a severe tropical storm, its large volume of moisture still poses a risk. The storm is expected to diminish as it moves north-west, reaching Hangzhou City in Zhejiang province, then eastern Anhui, and later the northern Yellow Sea.

Over 1.7 million people were evacuated in Zhejiang and thousands more in neighboring provinces. Schools, work, and outdoor activities have been suspended in Zhejiang, with 400 flights and dozens of train services canceled. In Wenzhou, authorities evacuated hundreds of thousands of residents.

Beijing also ordered the evacuation of 100,000 people. Bavi originated as a super typhoon, hitting Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands with 290km/h winds, and later struck Japan's Sakishima islands, injuring five and causing power outages. Taiwan experienced heavy rain and landslide warnings, leading to evacuations and flight cancellations.

This comes as parts of southern China are still recovering from Typhoon Maysak, which caused 39 deaths and significant agricultural losses.