'Strongest Typhoon in 75 Years' Burbinka Makes Landfall in Shanghai... 40,000 Evacuated

Travelers in Chaos Due to Transport Disruptions During Chuseok
Typhoon Pulasang No. 14 Also Heading Toward China

Typhoon Bavi, the 13th typhoon accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain, made landfall in Shanghai, China's economic capital, on the 16th (local time), prompting the evacuation of more than 40,000 residents.

According to AP News and local Chinese media, Bavi landed in Shanghai's Lingang New City around 7:30 a.m. that day. At the time, the maximum wind speed near the typhoon's center reached 42 meters per second, and the central pressure was 955 hPa (hectopascal).

Local media reported that Bavi is the strongest typhoon to make landfall in Shanghai since Gloria in 1949.

Typhoon No. 13 'Bavi' Expected Path.
[Photo by Korea Meteorological Administration] [Image source=Yonhap News]

As China entered the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday (September 15?17), various modes of transportation including passenger planes, ships, and trains were suspended, causing significant inconvenience to travelers. Shanghai Airport canceled hundreds of flights from the previous day through that day, and authorities in Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, nearby, also planned to cancel about 180 flights.

As of that day, 414,000 Shanghai residents had evacuated, while more than 60,000 emergency relief workers and firefighters were on standby in preparation for any emergencies. Videos and photos posted on local social media showed trees uprooted by the typhoon and damaged street structures. China Central Television (CCTV) broadcasted live footage of a reporter on site struggling to maintain balance due to the strong winds.

Casualties and property damage have not yet been reported.

Typhoon Pulasang, the 14th typhoon which formed near Guam the previous night, is expected to make landfall in Zhejiang Province around the 19th, causing heightened tension in China. Earlier this month, Typhoon Yagi, the 11th typhoon, struck southern China, resulting in 4 deaths and 95 injuries, with economic losses in Haikou City, Hainan Province alone amounting to 26.324 billion yuan (approximately 4.95 trillion won).