Locations Affected: China
China’s megacity Shanghai was brought to a standstill as Typhoon Bebinca made landfall on 16 September, causing floods and strong winds. The typhoon had top wind speeds of 151 kph (94 mph) near its eye, equivalent to a Category 1 Atlantic Hurricane. The typhoon was the strongest storm to hit Shanghai in over 70 years. It follows Super Typhoon Yagi, which killed at least four people and injured 95 when it passed through China’s southern Hainan Island in the past week.
Climate change leading to intense storms
Shanghai is rarely subject to direct hits from strong typhoons that generally make landfall further south in China. Extensive greenhouse gases emitted in China are believed to have driven climate change and created conducive conditions for the intensification of storms.
Impact of Typhoon Bebinca in Shanghai
- More than 400,000 people were evacuated in the Shanghai Metropolitan area from high-risk homes in Bebinca’s path. One person was injured due to the storm.
- Around 1,400 flights and 570 passenger trains have been cancelled since 15 September. All flights from the two international airports in Shanghai were cancelled starting 2000 hours local time on 15 September.
- The typhoon disrupted transport across the region. Highways and bridges were closed on 16 September, and a 40km/h speed limit was placed on roads inside the city. Authorities also suspended ferry services, closed ports and halted some train lines.
- As of 16 September, torrential rainfall due to the storm have reportedly led to flooded roads, 10,000 uprooted or damaged trees, power outages for 30,000 households, and damage to four houses.
- More than 60,000 emergency responders and firefighters have been deployed in Shanghai for rescue operations.
- The typhoon weakened as it moved inland, causing rainfall in parts of Jiangsu, Anhui, and Zhejiang provinces. Two deaths were reported in eastern Jiangsu due to the storm.
image Source: https://watchers.news/2024/09/14/tropical-storm-bebinca-heading-toward-shanghai-china/
Weather forecast and potential disruptions
The typhoon, downgraded to a tropical storm on 17 September, is expected to continue moving inland towards the west. The weather authorities have forecast that parts of Anhui, Henan, Hebei, Shandong and Jiangsu provinces could receive heavy rainfall of up to 20 centimetres (8 inches) through 18 September. Travel disruptions are expected to continue depending on the weather conditions. Travelers flying to and from Shanghai are advised to check their flight status before traveling. Residents have been advised to avoid leaving their home to go outdoors. Power disruptions may persist due to damage to utility lines. Organizations are advised to remain updated on the situation and prepare necessary contingency plans.
