China evacuates more than 600,000 people before Typhoon Bavi arrives
China removed more than 600,000 people from risk areas this Saturday (11), before Typhoon Bavi arrived in the important city of Wenzhou, in the east of the country. Before that, the cyclone hit the Japanese archipelago of Sakishima, in southern Japan, with intense rain and violent winds, in addition to passing close to northern Taiwan.
Although Bavi continues to lose strength and speed as it moves northwest over cooler waters, the typhoon still poses a significant risk due to the enormous volume of moisture concentrated in its rainbands, which extend over an area comparable to the size of France.
The forecast is that Bavi will reach the coast near Wenzhou, a city with around 10 million inhabitants, in the early hours of Sunday (12).
State media reported that more than 500,000 people were evacuated in Zhejiang province, where Wenzhou is located, and another 100,000 in neighboring Fujian province.
"I'm a little worried, but I think everything will be fine. We've been through typhoons before. We'll get through this one too," said Huang Xinghuan, 50, from Wenzhou, as he shopped at a traditional market before it closed because of the storm.
Huang said his family stored enough water for two or three days. "I think the supply is pretty secure now. There's no need to panic or stockpile too much food or other supplies," he added.
Although Japan and Taiwan have not yet reported deaths related to the typhoon, 17 people died in the Philippines due to heavy rains caused by the strengthening of the southwest monsoon, intensified by the influence of the Bavi.
Taiwan escapes the worst of the typhoon
In Taiwan, the government evacuated more than 14,000 people, mainly from mountainous areas, as the island paralyzed activities as Bavi approaches from the north.
Although the typhoon did not directly hit Taiwan, authorities adopted preventive measures given the forecast of almost 1 meter of rain in some regions.
Most of the evacuees were in the north and east of the island. Additionally, 920 international flights were cancelled, halting operations at Taiwan's main international airport in Taoyuan, near the capital Taipei, as well as all 280 domestic flights.
Almost all cities and counties in Taiwan declared a holiday due to the typhoon this Saturday, closing public offices and schools that could operate over the weekend. In Taipei, however, some restaurants and convenience stores remained open.
The main high-speed railway line between the north and south of the island continued to operate, but with reduced supply. In downtown Taipei, some people still walked the streets in strong winds and rain.
"It's okay, it's not that serious," said Yeh Mao-hsiung, 68, while walking his dog. "It's just a little windier."
In the neighborhood of Beitou, at the foot of the mountains that surround Taipei, gusts of around 100 km/h knocked down trees and raised river levels.
In Wenzhou, Chen Qiuqin, in her 60s, walked in steady rain toward her parents' house to help them prepare for the typhoon's arrival, but said she was not too worried due to measures taken by the government.
"I was worried about the flower pots on my mother's porch, so I'm going to help her move them inside. My parents are elderly and are alone at home, so I wasn't reassured," she said.
Source: CNN