Typhoon Bavi Intensifies as China Issues High-Level Alerts Along Zhejiang–Fujian Coast

Dragon Media News Desk

Typhoon Bavi, the ninth typhoon of the year, strengthened again into a severe typhoon around midnight on Saturday, prompting Chinese authorities to suspend in-person school activities, close tourist attractions and halt some ferry services in areas expected to be affected.

According to a report published by the Global Times, citing CCTV News, the centre of Typhoon Bavi was located about 540 kilometres east-southeast of the Zhejiang–Fujian border at 6 a.m. local time on Saturday. Maximum sustained winds near the centre had reached Force 14.

China’s National Meteorological Center issued an orange typhoon alert at 6 a.m., forecasting that Bavi would continue moving rapidly northwestward with little change in intensity.

The typhoon is expected to approach the coasts of Zhejiang and Fujian provinces in eastern China before making landfall between Taizhou in Zhejiang and Fuding in Fujian in the early hours of Sunday as either a severe typhoon or a typhoon.

Red Alert Issued for Ocean Waves

According to a press release provided by China’s Ministry of Natural Resources to the Global Times, the National Marine Environmental Forecasting Center issued a red alert for ocean waves and an orange alert for storm surges.

Under the influence of the typhoon, waves of between nine and 13 metres are forecast in the southern East China Sea from Saturday morning to Sunday morning.

The northern East China Sea is expected to experience waves of between five and eight metres, while waves ranging from four to six metres are forecast in the Taiwan Strait.

An orange alert remains in effect for offshore waves.

The marine forecasting centre has also issued a seawater inundation risk alert for areas likely to be affected by the storm. It said updated marine disaster warnings and inundation risk alerts would continue to be released.

Residents in coastal areas have been urged to closely follow the latest warnings and prepare for possible flooding, strong winds and high waves.

Emergency Response Activated in Zhejiang and Fujian

China’s Ministry of Emergency Management activated a Level III geological disaster emergency response for Zhejiang and Fujian provinces on Friday.

Authorities have intensified preparations amid the risk of landslides, soil erosion, coastal flooding and infrastructure damage caused by heavy rainfall, strong winds and storm-driven waves.

CCTV News reported that the operating capacity of Shanghai’s two main airports, Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, was expected to decline on Saturday.

Nearly 20 percent of arriving and departing flights at the two airports were reduced or cancelled.

Ningbo Lishe International Airport cancelled 164 flights on Saturday. By 8:30 a.m., airlines operating at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport had planned to cancel 198 arriving and departing flights.

Rail Services and Public Activities Disrupted

Railway authorities announced temporary suspensions of some train services on sections of several routes between July 11 and 14, including the Hangzhou–Shenzhen Railway and the high-speed railway connecting Hangzhou and Wenzhou.

In Fujian Province, the Fuzhou education authorities instructed all schools and training institutions to suspend in-person group activities both on and off campus.

The suspension covers regular classes, training sessions, summer camps and other organised activities.

According to Chinese news outlet The Paper, all parks, scenic attractions and museums in Hangzhou’s West Lake scenic area were temporarily closed from Saturday.

Hiking trails, boat cruises, sightseeing shuttle services, night tours and the West Lake musical fountain were also suspended.

Ferry Services Suspended in Guangdong

The Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration said waters under its jurisdiction had entered full typhoon-preparedness mode.

Authorities suspended some passenger ferry services and directed northbound vessels to seek shelter in safe waters to reduce the potential impact of the storm.

According to CCTV News, the administration maintained a Level III emergency response for tropical cyclones as of 2 p.m. on Friday.

Chinese authorities have urged residents in affected areas to monitor the latest typhoon information, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, stay away from coastal and landslide-prone areas, and follow instructions issued by local governments and emergency agencies.