Shanghai’s airports faced significant flight disruptions on Monday due to tropical storm Dolphin, which brought heavy rainfall to eastern China after being classified as a typhoon the day before. Over 900 flights were canceled at Shanghai’s Hongqiao and Pudong airports, accounting for about 40% of the total scheduled flights. This followed the cancellation of approximately 1,300 flights the previous day as reported by Shanghai Airport Group. Additionally, Shanghai suspended some metro lines, and China Railway Chengdu Group halted 115 trains in response to the storm.
Authorities issued warnings about the potential for severe flooding and landslides in certain areas. In Zhejiang province’s city of Yueqing, efforts were underway to rescue individuals trapped in flooded homes. The China Meteorological Administration stated that Dolphin was moving northwest at a speed of 15 to 20 kilometers per hour and was anticipated to weaken further.
Dolphin made landfall in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, on Sunday evening, with wind speeds reaching 151 kilometers per hour. Prior to its arrival in China, the storm had brought heavy rains to northern Taiwan over the weekend. The storm’s impact led to the relocation of at least 760,000 people, including significant evacuations in Taizhou, Shanghai, and Fujian province. In Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang, iconic tourist sites were temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile, tropical storm Chan-hom was approaching Japan’s Pacific coast, with wind speeds of 83 kilometers per hour on Monday morning. The storm was forecasted to strengthen slightly before making landfall between Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The situation prompted authorities to issue warnings for potential flood-related risks in various regions.
In Shanghai, residents in suburban areas reported streets remaining waterlogged following the storm, with videos showing individuals navigating knee-high waters. The prolonged heavy rainfall resulted in widespread flooding, causing inconvenience for many residents. Authorities in Jinshan district announced temporary closures for non-essential businesses and services due to the anticipated continuation of strong winds and heavy rain.
As Dolphin continued its trajectory, Beijing prepared for significant rainfall, with authorities on alert for potential flooding and landslides. The storm’s extensive cloud system and prolonged journey prior to landfall drew comparisons to previous impactful typhoons. The typhoon season in the northwest Pacific was predicted to be particularly active, with multiple tropical storms and typhoons expected, attributed to factors such as the prevailing El Niño event.
Although Dolphin did not directly hit the Philippines, it exacerbated monsoon rains in the region, leading to flooding and landslides. The storm’s effects contributed to a tragic landslide incident in Baguio, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries. The overall impact of Dolphin added to the toll of recent severe weather events in the Philippines, underscoring the challenges posed by inclement weather conditions in the region.