Shanghai: Shanghai has been hit by Typhoon Bebinca (Category 1 storm), the strongest to impact the city in 75 years. The typhoon caused landfall, bringing extreme winds and heavy rainfall that have led to widespread damage.
According to the China Meteorological Administration, Typhoon Bebinca struck the coastal area of Lingang New City in eastern Shanghai around 7:30 local time (23:30 GMT).
Thousands of residents in the Shanghai metropolitan area have been evacuated as Typhoon Bebinca strikes, with all flights at the city’s two main airports grounded. The China Meteorological Administration has issued a red alert, the highest level, as winds reach up to 151 km/h (94 mph).
Train services are suspended, highways are closed, and residents have been advised to remain indoors, with a 40 km/h (25 mph) speed limit imposed on city roads.
#TyphoonBebinca's impact is clear as ever on #Shanghai's Huangpu River. The powerful winds and waves are a reminder of nature's force. pic.twitter.com/83UUsaaxmL
— Shanghai Daily (@shanghaidaily) September 16, 2024
Major attractions, such as Shanghai Disney Resort and Jinjiang Amusement Park, are temporarily closed, and many ferries have been halted. This storm follows Typhoon Yagi, which caused fatalities and injuries in southern China’s Hainan Island earlier this month.
The powerful storm has caused severe flooding, uprooted trees, and damaged buildings across Shanghai. Emergency services are actively responding to the situation.
Typhoon Bebinca has previously affected Japan and the central and southern Philippines, where falling trees resulted in six fatalities. The storm is expected to continue moving northwest, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui provinces. Local authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage and coordinate relief efforts.