Typhoon Dolphin Strikes China and Intensifies Monsoon Rains in Asia

Typhoon Dolphin made landfall on China’s eastern coast Sunday evening, prompting the relocation of over 300,000 people and causing the cancellation of more than 1,300 flights at Shanghai’s airports. The storm, which had previously brought heavy rain to northern Taiwan, escalated regional weather challenges.

In the Philippines, a landslide triggered by intensified monsoon rains left five people rescued and seven still missing in Baguio’s northern mountain resort. Heavy rains fueled by Typhoon Dolphin led to the landslide that affected three houses.

Impact in China

Dolphin hit Taizhou city in Zhejiang province and parts of Fujian province with winds reaching 151 kph (93 mph) and large waves. The storm introduced risks of severe flooding and landslides in Zhejiang, compelling Shanghai’s Hongqiao and Pudong airports to cancel approximately 60% of Sunday’s flights, according to city state media, the Paper.

Authorities forecast significant rainfall with predictions of 200-400 millimeters (7.9–15.7 inches) over the coming days in affected regions. Following the storm’s impact, around 390,000 people were evacuated from Taizhou and over 30,000 from Shanghai’s vulnerable zones. Ferries and cruises in Zhejiang were also suspended as a precaution.

Monsoon and Preceding Storm in the Philippines

Typhoon Dolphin amplified seasonal monsoon rains, setting off floods and landslides across northern Luzon, including densely populated metro Manila. Over 12,000 people were displaced, and educational institutions were closed in several cities on Friday and Saturday, as reported by disaster officials.

Prior to Dolphin’s arrival, a tropical storm had caused six casualties, with landslides and rockslides in Luzon provinces such as Benguet and Rizal leaving four villagers dead last week.