Hundreds of thousands were evacuated as Typhoon Bebinca made landfall near Shanghai, marking the strongest storm to hit the city in 75 years. The typhoon struck around 07:30 local time on Monday in Lingang New City, as confirmed by the China Meteorological Administration.
In preparation for the impact, over 400,000 residents of the Shanghai Metropolitan area were relocated by Sunday evening. Additionally, 9,000 individuals were evacuated from the Chongming District, located at the mouth of the Yangtze River.
The severe weather disrupted travel plans, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of flights and the grounding of operations at the city’s two main airports. Train services were also halted, highways closed, and a speed limit of 40 km/h was enforced on city roads. Residents were advised to remain indoors as the storm lashed the city.
Authorities issued a red alert for Bebinca, the highest warning level, with wind speeds peaking at 151 km/h. Forecasts indicate the storm may weaken as it moves inland.
Reports featured imagery of toppled trees and flooded streets, with social media buzzing with concerns and warnings from residents about the storm’s potential impacts. Many shared tips to ensure safety, with one user reflecting on the storm’s intensity, describing it as a situation typically seen only on television.
Uncommon for Shanghai, the storm prompted the flood control headquarters to receive multiple reports of incidents, primarily related to fallen trees and debris. Several attractions in the city, such as theme parks and animal parks, were temporarily closed in anticipation of the adverse weather.
As Typhoon Bebinca progresses, it is expected to move northwest, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui provinces.
