Typhoon Bebinca wreaks havoc in Shanghai, shutting down the city in the strongest storm since 1949. Tens of millions of people in Shanghai and along China’s densely populated east coast found themselves hunkered indoors as the powerful storm made landfall on Monday. The city was hit with wind speeds of up to 151 kilometers per hour (94 miles per hour), causing widespread damage and disrupting transport services across the region.
Impact on Shanghai
As Typhoon Bebinca landed in Shanghai’s eastern coastal area, state media reported that it was the strongest storm to hit the city since Typhoon Gloria in 1949. With businesses already closed for the Mid-Autumn Festival public holiday, the city’s 25 million residents were advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The flood control headquarters in Shanghai received numerous reports of incidents related to the typhoon, primarily involving fallen trees and billboards blocking roads.
Residents in various districts of Shanghai, such as Baoshan, experienced the ferocious winds firsthand. Dr. Xiong Zhuowu captured a video showing a real estate agent’s sign being torn away and thrown onto a nearby roof. Concerned about loose-rooted trees in the area, Xiong moved his car to prevent any potential damage. Despite the adverse weather conditions, some residents like Wu Yun ventured outside for essential errands, expressing confidence in Shanghai’s ability to withstand the storm compared to previous experiences in the south.
Transport Disruptions and Evacuations
The impact of Typhoon Bebinca extended beyond Shanghai, affecting transportation services and prompting evacuations in neighboring regions. All flights at Shanghai’s main airports were grounded, ferry services and some trains were suspended, and highways were closed with speed limits imposed on remaining roads. The usually congested streets of Shanghai were eerily quiet during rush hour, with visibility reduced by heavy fog.
In Chongming District, an island at the mouth of the Yangtze River, authorities evacuated 9,000 residents as a precautionary measure against the storm’s potential impact. Across the border in Zhejiang province, where waves crashed against the coastline, a reporter described the intensity of the storm, highlighting the dangerous conditions faced by those in its path.
Previous Devastation and Future Outlook
Prior to its arrival in Shanghai, Typhoon Bebinca had already caused havoc in Japan and the central and southern Philippines. The storm claimed lives and caused destruction as it made its way through these regions, underscoring the devastating consequences of extreme weather events. In China, Typhoon Yagi had recently left a trail of destruction in Hainan island, resulting in casualties and injuries.
As Typhoon Bebinca continued its trajectory northwest towards Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui provinces, authorities warned of heavy rainfall and high winds in the affected areas. The storm’s passage through China raised concerns about the country’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, exacerbated by the impacts of climate change. China, as the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, faces the challenge of mitigating climate-related risks and ensuring the resilience of its infrastructure and population.
Conclusion
Typhoon Bebinca’s unprecedented strength and destructive impact on Shanghai and other regions along China’s east coast serve as a stark reminder of the threats posed by extreme weather events. The resilience of communities in the face of such challenges is crucial, as is the need for proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with climate change. As the world grapples with the growing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, the importance of preparedness, adaptation, and sustainable practices cannot be overstated. Shanghai’s experience with Typhoon Bebinca underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the impacts of climate change and protect vulnerable populations from future disasters.