Typhoon Bebinca Slams Shanghai: Strongest Storm Since 1949 Forces Mass Evacuations and Travel Chaos
September 16, 2024Typhoon Bebinca made landfall in Shanghai on Monday, marking the strongest typhoon to hit the city since at least 1949.
More than 400,000 people were evacuated from Shanghai and surrounding areas ahead of the storm, with emergency responders numbering over 60,000 deployed to assist.
A red alert was issued as coastal residents faced strong winds and heavy rainfall, prompting the Ministry of Water Resources to initiate a level-four emergency response for flood risks.
The storm led to the flooding of 53 hectares of farmland and damaged several houses, with reports of fallen trees and billboards flooding the Shanghai flood control center.
The Ministry of Disaster Management warned of heavy to torrential rains expected from Sunday to Tuesday, prompting emergency measures in key areas.
Videos on Chinese online platforms showed dramatic scenes of building facades falling onto streets and storm winds tearing off roofs, illustrating the storm's ferocity.
Major tourist attractions in Shanghai were closed due to severe weather conditions, as officials urged residents to avoid large gatherings and secure their properties.
Winds reached approximately 94 miles per hour, and heavy rainfall resulted in nearly 3 inches in some areas within an hour.
All flights at Shanghai's two main airports were grounded, with more than 1,400 flights canceled, disrupting travel plans during the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday.
Before reaching China, Typhoon Bebinca hit the central and southern Philippines, resulting in six fatalities, including four children, due to falling trees.
Travel on some bridges was suspended, and movement on certain highways was restricted as a precautionary measure.
Experts note that climate change is causing typhoons to form closer to shore, intensify more rapidly, and linger longer over land.
Summary based on 27 sources
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Sources
The New York Times • Sep 16, 2024
Shanghai is Hit By Typhoon Bebinca, Strongest Storm in 70 YearsBBC News • Sep 16, 2024
Shanghai hit by strongest typhoon in 75 yearsAP News • Sep 17, 2024
2 people reported dead in China as Typhoon Bebinca is downgraded to a tropical storm