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China evacuated more than 600,000 people on Saturday as Typhoon Bavi advanced toward its eastern coastline, with landfall expected near the major city of Wenzhou early Sunday.
Although Bavi has weakened slightly while moving northwest over cooler waters, authorities warn it remains dangerous due to the slow moisture carried in its vast rain bands—stretching nearly the size of France—raising the risk of intense rainfall and flooding.
State media reported that over 500,000 residents were moved to safety in Zhejiang province, home to Wenzhou, while more than 100,000 others were evacuated in neighbouring Fujian.
The typhoon earlier lashed Japan’s southern Sakishima islands with heavy rain and strong winds before skirting northern Taiwan, where more than 14,000 people were evacuated as a precaution.
Taiwan cancelled over 900 international and domestic flights and shut down offices and schools across most regions. While the storm spared the island a direct hit, strong winds and heavy rain still caused disruptions, including fallen trees and swollen rivers in parts of Taipei.
Despite no reported fatalities in Japan or Taiwan, at least 17 people died in the Philippines due to heavy rains intensified by the storm.
In Wenzhou, a city of around 10 million people, residents made last-minute preparations as authorities closed markets and reinforced safety measures.
Many stocked essential supplies, though officials urged the public to remain calm, assuring that adequate provisions were in place.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely as Bavi approaches, warning of possible flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage along China’s eastern seaboard.
