China on Highest Alert: Typhoon Dolphin Threatens Massive Flooding
China's eastern coast braces for a typhoon bringing winds up to 162 km/h and heavy rains. Over 1,400 flights canceled, authorities warn of landslides and extreme flooding.
China's eastern coast braces for a typhoon bringing winds up to 162 km/h and heavy rains. Over 1,400 flights canceled, authorities warn of landslides and extreme flooding.
China issued its highest-level warning on Saturday, August 9, 2026, as Typhoon Dolphin (also referred to as Dolfin in some sources) approached its eastern coast. Authorities declared a red alert, evacuated over one million people from at-risk areas, and canceled thousands of flights as heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected.
In preparation for the storm's arrival, more than one million people have left their homes in vulnerable areas. At least 30,300 residents were evacuated from Shanghai alone, according to Reuters. In that port city, authorities sheltered over 500 small and medium-sized vessels in Yangshan Port.
Air travel has been severely disrupted. According to state broadcaster CCTV, nearly 1,400 flights were canceled at Shanghai's two major passenger airports. Reuters reports a slightly higher figure of around 1,500 canceled flights. Taiwan has also felt the storm's impact, with over 180 flights canceled and dozens of ferry services suspended due to heavy rains and winds.
China's National Meteorological Center (NMC) issued a red typhoon warning, the highest level of alert. Forecasters predict "extraordinary torrential rains" in parts of the central and eastern Zhejiang province. Between 250 and 500 millimeters of rain are expected in the province. Meteorologists warn that the typhoon's slowdown after landfall could prolong heavy precipitation and significantly increase the risk of flooding and landslides.
The typhoon is expected to make landfall in the evening, bringing winds of up to 162 kilometers per hour. Authorities have stepped up inspections of dams, mountain streams, and landslide-prone areas, and offshore operations have been suspended.
Before heading toward China, Typhoon Dolphin passed over Japan's Okinawa Island, where it caused power outages and injuries. Reports on the number of injured vary: Italy's ANSA agency reports seven people with minor injuries, including a centenarian who fell due to a gust of wind, while the FoNet agency, citing Reuters, reports six injured. On Okinawa, over 50,000 buildings lost electricity.
Chinese authorities have taken extensive precautionary measures to mitigate the storm's impact. In addition to mass evacuations and transport suspensions, the focus is on preventing catastrophic flooding and landslides that could follow as the typhoon slows over land and releases massive amounts of rain.
