Shanghai: Shanghai and several other parts of eastern China are facing widespread disruption after Typhoon Dolphin brought heavy rain, strong winds and flooding to the region. Although the storm has weakened after making landfall, authorities remain on alert as large amounts of rain continue to affect cities and rural areas.
Dolphin made landfall in Zhejiang province on Sunday evening after strengthening over the western Pacific. The storm reached the coast near Yuhuan in Taizhou and later made another landfall near Yueqing. At its strongest, the typhoon had maximum sustained winds of about 151 kilometres per hour.
The storm has since weakened as it moved inland, but its effects are still being felt across a wide area. Heavy rainfall has become the main concern, particularly in places where roads, drainage systems and low lying areas are already under pressure.
Shanghai has been among the areas most affected. Heavy rain caused flooding in several districts, while strong winds and waterlogged roads disrupted normal life. Emergency workers have been working to clear flooded streets and manage drainage as the city deals with the large amount of water brought by the storm.
Transport has also been badly affected. More than 1,300 flights were cancelled at Shanghai's Pudong and Hongqiao airports as authorities tried to protect passengers and staff from dangerous weather conditions. Some public transport services have also been disrupted, making travel difficult for residents and visitors.
The storm also led to a major evacuation effort. More than one million people were moved from areas considered vulnerable to flooding, landslides and strong winds. Zhejiang province saw some of the largest evacuations as authorities prepared coastal communities for the arrival of the powerful storm.
Officials had issued strong weather warnings before Dolphin reached the coast. People in vulnerable areas were advised to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Schools, businesses and other activities were also affected in some locations as authorities attempted to reduce the risk to residents.
The danger has now shifted from powerful coastal winds to heavy and prolonged rainfall. Dolphin carried a large amount of moisture, and that moisture is continuing to spread inland. Parts of Anhui, Jiangsu and Shandong are facing further rainfall, while central and northern areas are also being watched closely.
Forecasters have warned that some areas could receive several hundred millimetres of rain. Such rainfall can quickly overwhelm drainage systems and increase the risk of flash floods, river flooding and landslides, especially in areas that have already received heavy rain.
Beijing is also being monitored as weather systems move north. The capital has experienced heavy rainfall in recent days, increasing concerns about additional rain from the weakening storm system.
For many people in eastern China, the arrival of Dolphin has meant cancelled travel, flooded roads and interruptions to everyday life. Emergency teams remain active as authorities assess damage and prepare for more rain.
Although Dolphin is no longer the powerful typhoon that struck the coast, officials are warning residents not to underestimate the continuing danger. The storm's strongest winds may have passed, but the rainfall it has brought could create serious problems for several more days.
The focus across eastern and central China is therefore shifting toward flood control and emergency response. Authorities are continuing to monitor rivers, roads and vulnerable communities while asking residents to follow weather warnings and avoid flooded areas.
The coming days will determine how severe the wider impact becomes. If the heavy rain continues, the risk of flooding and landslides could remain high even as Dolphin gradually loses its strength.