BEIJING, China — August 9, 2026: More than one million people have been evacuated across eastern China after Typhoon Dolphin made landfall on Sunday, unleashing powerful winds, torrential rainfall and widespread fears of flooding and landslides.
The storm, described as the most powerful tropical cyclone to strike China so far in 2026, made landfall near Yuhuan in Zhejiang province at approximately 5:30 p.m. local time. Chinese meteorological authorities reported maximum sustained winds of around 151 kilometres per hour near the centre of the storm at landfall.
Authorities had already launched extensive emergency preparations before Dolphin reached the coast, ordering vessels back to port, relocating offshore workers and evacuating hundreds of thousands of residents from areas considered particularly vulnerable.
More Than One Million People Evacuated
The scale of the evacuation operation has been enormous.
In Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, authorities relocated more than 900,000 residents and opened over 1,000 emergency shelters.
Neighbouring Fujian province evacuated approximately 98,900 people from areas considered at high risk, while Shanghai moved at least 30,300 residents to safer locations. Together with evacuations elsewhere, more than one million people have been moved from their homes as authorities attempt to prevent casualties.
Emergency responses have been activated across Zhejiang, Shanghai, Jiangsu and Fujian as officials closely monitor the storm’s movement.
Major Disruption to Flights and Transportation
Typhoon Dolphin has also caused severe disruption to transportation networks.
Shanghai, one of Asia’s largest aviation hubs, experienced widespread flight cancellations as the storm approached. Reuters reported that approximately 1,500 flights were cancelled, while AP reported at least 1,300 cancellations at Shanghai’s Hongqiao and Pudong airports.
Ferries, cruises and other water transportation services have also been suspended in several affected areas.
In Fujian province, maritime authorities suspended 55 coastal passenger ferry routes, halted work at 115 offshore construction projects and moved hundreds of construction vessels into sheltered waters.
Shanghai’s Yangshan Port also cleared exposed berths and moved more than 500 small and medium-sized vessels into safer waters before the typhoon arrived.
Flooding and Landslide Fears Grow
While Dolphin’s violent winds pose an immediate danger, officials are increasingly concerned about the enormous amount of rainfall associated with the storm.
Forecasts indicate that parts of eastern China could experience several hundred millimetres of rain as Dolphin moves inland.
The heavy rainfall could significantly increase the risk of flash flooding, overflowing rivers, mountain torrents and landslides, particularly across Zhejiang and neighbouring provinces.
China’s Ministry of Water Resources warned that several rivers, including the Qiantang, Yong, Jiao and Shuiyang rivers, could experience major flooding. Smaller rivers in areas receiving the heaviest rainfall could also rise above official warning levels.
Residents in areas under serious mountain-torrent warnings have been instructed to follow local evacuation orders and remain away from dangerous river valleys and unstable slopes.
Dolphin Previously Hit Okinawa
Before arriving in mainland China, Typhoon Dolphin swept across Japan’s southern Okinawa prefecture.
The storm injured at least six people and left more than 50,000 buildings without electricity, according to Reuters.
Northern Taiwan also experienced heavy rainfall associated with the storm’s outer bands as Dolphin moved westward toward China.
The storm also contributed to difficult weather conditions elsewhere in the region, demonstrating the wide geographical impact of the powerful tropical system.
Authorities Remain on High Alert
Emergency teams across eastern China are now focused on protecting communities as Dolphin moves further inland and gradually weakens.
Even as its wind speeds decrease, authorities have warned that dangerous rainfall could continue for an extended period.
Reservoirs, rivers, construction sites, mountain streams and landslide-prone areas are being closely monitored, while emergency shelters remain open for displaced residents.
China frequently experiences tropical cyclones during the summer months, particularly along its southern and eastern coastline. However, the scale of evacuation surrounding Typhoon Dolphin highlights the seriousness of the threat posed by the storm.
Scientists have also warned that warming global temperatures can contribute to conditions that make extreme weather events, including powerful tropical cyclones, more damaging.
For now, more than one million evacuated residents are waiting for conditions to improve before authorities determine when it will be safe for them to return home.
Officials are expected to continue assessing flooding, infrastructure damage and transportation disruptions as Typhoon Dolphin moves across China.
ENS NEWS will continue following developments surrounding Typhoon Dolphin and its impact across China and the wider Asian region.