Typhoon Dolphin Lashes Eastern China, Millions Evacuated as Flood Risk Mounts

Typhoon Dolphin, the most powerful tropical cyclone to hit China this year, has made landfall on the country's eastern coast, bringing torrential rain and strong winds that have triggered widespread evacuation orders and warnings of severe flooding and landslides. The storm, which first swept through Japan's southern Okinawa prefecture, injuring six people and cutting power to more than 50,000 buildings, struck near Yuhuan in eastern Zhejiang province late Sunday AEST. Chinese meteorological authorities reported maximum sustained winds of 151km/h near its centre at landfall, equivalent to a Category One hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

Mass Evacuations and Transport Disruption

Authorities moved swiftly to protect residents, ordering offshore workers to safety, vessels back to port, and increasing checks at reservoirs, mountain streams, landslide-prone areas, construction sites and tourist locations. More than one million people have been evacuated from their homes across the eastern provinces. In Shanghai, at least 30,300 people were relocated and about 1,500 flights were cancelled, according to flight-tracking data provider VariFlight. A 42-year-old tourist from Guangdong, surnamed Chen, said he was stranded in Shanghai after his family's flight was cancelled. 'To us Guangdong people, this typhoon is as ordinary as having a meal and feeling the wind. It's just part of everyday life,' Chen said, adding the storm did not appear particularly strong by the standards of China's southern coast.

Regional Impact and Emergency Responses

In neighbouring Zhejiang province, the city of Wenzhou relocated more than 900,000 residents and opened over 1,000 emergency shelters. In Fujian province, authorities evacuated 98,900 people from high-risk areas after raising the typhoon emergency response to Level III, according to state news agency Xinhua. Zhejiang, Shanghai and Jiangsu have also activated Level III emergency responses. Fujian maritime authorities said 55 coastal passenger ferry routes had been suspended, all 115 offshore construction projects halted, and 290 construction vessels moved to sheltered waters.

Flood and Landslide Warnings Intensify

Torrential rain is forecast through Monday across Zhejiang, Shanghai, northern Fujian, northeastern Jiangxi, central and southern Anhui, and much of Jiangsu. Parts of central and eastern Zhejiang could receive 250-500mm of rain, according to forecasters. After landfall, Dolphin is forecast to track westward before slowing over central and southwestern China and gradually losing strength, Wang Haiping, chief forecaster at the National Meteorological Centre, told state broadcaster CCTV. That could prolong heavy rain and raise the risk of flooding and landslides, especially in mountainous areas and along smaller rivers. The water resources ministry said the Qiantang, Yong, Jiao and Shuiyang rivers could see major flooding, while smaller rivers in the hardest-hit areas could rise above warning levels. Authorities warned of a high risk of geological disasters in parts of Zhejiang, while residents in areas covered by a red mountain-torrent warning were told to follow local evacuation orders.

FAQ: Typhoon Dolphin and Its Impact

What is Typhoon Dolphin?

Typhoon Dolphin is the most powerful tropical cyclone to hit China in 2026, making landfall as a Category One hurricane equivalent with sustained winds of 151km/h.

How many people have been evacuated?

More than one million people have been evacuated from their homes across eastern China, including over 900,000 in Wenzhou alone.

What are the main risks from the typhoon?

The primary risks are severe flooding, landslides, and geological disasters, particularly in mountainous areas and along smaller rivers, with up to 500mm of rain forecast in some regions.

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