Unprecedented Typhoon Batters Shanghai, Causing Widespread Damage
On Monday, the strongest typhoon to hit Shanghai since 1949, dubbed Bebinca, unleashed its fury upon the financial hub, leaving a trail of flooding, uprooted trees, and power outages in its wake. Driven by winds gusting up to 151 kph (94 mph), Bebinca made landfall in the sprawling Pudong business district at approximately 7:30 a.m.
Mass Evacuations and Safety Measures
In anticipation of Typhoon Bebinca’s impact, more than 414,000 residents were safely evacuated. Schools and businesses were shuttered, and authorities urged citizens to remain indoors for their safety. Despite these precautions, one elderly man sustained injuries on Chongming Island when a falling tree struck him.
Flooding and Infrastructure Damage
Torrential rains accompanying Bebinca led to extensive flooding in Shanghai, particularly in the Pudong district. Streets were inundated with water and debris, while fallen tree branches and uprooted trees obstructed sidewalks and roadways. More than 10,000 trees were either uprooted or severely damaged, while power outages affected at least 380 households. Four homes sustained damage, and approximately 53 hectares (132 acres) of farmland were flooded.
Emergency Response and Relief Efforts
As the typhoon moved inland, weakening slightly, it continued to bring heavy rainfall to parts of Jiangsu, Anhui, and Zhejiang provinces. More than 60,000 emergency responders and firefighters were mobilized in Shanghai to assist in relief efforts. They worked tirelessly to clear debris, restore power, and provide assistance to affected residents.
Transportation Disruptions
Bebinca’s impact caused significant disruptions to transportation in Shanghai and neighboring provinces. Flights, ferries, and train services were suspended to ensure public safety during the storm’s passage. Shanghai’s airports canceled hundreds of flights, while Hangzhou, about 170 kilometers (106 miles) southwest of Shanghai, axed more than 180 flights. However, flights resumed at Shanghai’s airports as the storm moved away.
Regional Impacts
Bebinca’s effects were not confined to Shanghai. It also affected parts of Southeast Asia, where Typhoon Yagi had previously caused devastation. In Myanmar, Yagi led to at least 74 fatalities and dozens of missing persons. In Hainan, four people lost their lives, while Thailand and the Philippines reported at least 10 and 20 deaths, respectively. Vietnam experienced severe losses, with more than 230 deaths reported due to typhoon-related flooding and landslides.
A Rare Event
Shanghai, with its population of 25 million, is not accustomed to being directly impacted by typhoons, which typically make landfall further south in China. The severity of Bebinca and the extent of the damage it caused highlight the risks posed by extreme weather events and underscore the need for robust disaster preparedness and response plans.
