Typhoon Bavi Weakens, Triggers Heavy Rains Across China

Typhoon Bavi has weakened into a severe tropical storm, making landfall in China's Zhejiang province on Sunday morning. The storm is forecast to move northeast through Anhui province and into the Yellow Sea, transitioning into an extra-tropical cyclone.

Extensive heavy rainfall is anticipated through July 14 across Fujian, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Anhui, Jiangsu, Shandong, and parts of northeastern China. This precipitation presents a high risk of rain-related disasters, with potential for extremely heavy downpours in parts of Anhui, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi. Shipping and offshore operations along China's eastern coast may be impacted by strong winds.

In response to the severe weather, China's transport ministry elevated its emergency response for heavy rainfall to Level II. The National Development and Reform Commission has allocated 100 million yuan ($14 million) for emergency recovery in Zhejiang province, targeting repairs for roads, water conservancy projects, schools, and hospitals. An additional 100 million yuan was allocated for recovery efforts in Guangxi province.

Shanghai is expected to experience the storm's approach by Sunday evening. Airport authorities reported nearly 30% of scheduled flights on July 12 at Pudong and Hongqiao airports were planned for cancellation. Meanwhile, Taiwan reported 135 injuries from typhoon-related incidents, and the Philippines recorded 18 deaths due to landslides and drowning intensified by the typhoon's associated monsoon.