Typhoon Bavi Triggers Widespread Evacuations Across East Asia

Typhoon Bavi has prompted extensive evacuations across East Asia, affecting millions as it approaches landfall in China. With significant impacts already felt in Taiwan and Japan, authorities are on high alert for flooding and landslides. The storm has already caused fatalities in the Philippines, highlighting the severe weather's destructive potential. As emergency agencies urge residents to stay indoors and monitor updates, the region braces for the storm's imminent arrival.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 11, 2026, 21:16 IST

Mass Evacuations in East Asia

Typhoon Bavi has caused extensive evacuations throughout East Asia, having already wreaked havoc in Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines. In anticipation of the storm's landfall, Chinese officials have relocated over 1.8 million individuals. The typhoon is predicted to hit near Wenzhou in Zhejiang province early Sunday, marking the largest evacuation effort in China this year. Authorities have issued an orange typhoon warning, the second-highest level, along with the first red rainstorm warning of 2026, as they prepare for potential flooding, landslides, and strong winds.

China's Evacuation Efforts

More than 1.7 million residents have been evacuated from Zhejiang province, with additional relocations from Fujian as Typhoon Bavi approaches the eastern coastline. The storm is expected to make landfall near Wenzhou, bringing maximum sustained winds of approximately 144 km/h. Local authorities have halted services in at-risk coastal regions, enhanced flood-control measures, and mobilized emergency response teams. Despite the impending danger, some locals remain composed. Wenzhou resident Huang Xinghuan expressed, "I'm a little worried, but I think it'll be OK. We've been through typhoons before. We'll get through it," adding that there was no need for panic buying as officials assured sufficient supplies of food and essentials.

Taiwan on High Alert

As Typhoon Bavi brushed against Taiwan's northern coast, the island remained vigilant, experiencing heavy rain, strong winds, and perilous sea conditions. Over 14,000 residents were evacuated from high-risk zones, and more than 900 flights, both domestic and international, were cancelled. Schools, government offices, and numerous businesses closed across the island. Authorities reported several weather-related injuries, particularly among motorists and cyclists navigating the slick roads. While some residents noted that the storm was less severe than anticipated, Taiwan's Central Weather Administration cautioned that northern areas could still face extreme rainfall, flash floods, and dangerous coastal waves.

Japan Faces Disruptions

Typhoon Bavi also impacted Japan's southern Okinawa prefecture, causing significant disruptions to transportation and power supplies. More than 200 flights were cancelled due to the strong winds and heavy rain affecting the islands. Thousands of households experienced power outages. Storm chaser James Reynolds reported on X that Miyako Island was experiencing the worst effects of the typhoon, while Ishigaki faced gale-force winds with gusts reaching typhoon strength overnight.

Tragedy in the Philippines

In the Philippines, the heavy rainfall exacerbated by Typhoon Bavi has led to landslides and flooding, resulting in at least 17 fatalities. Nearly 11,000 residents were compelled to evacuate their homes and seek refuge in emergency shelters as authorities responded to flooding across multiple provinces.

Ongoing Vigilance

Emergency agencies in China, Taiwan, and Japan are urging residents to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and closely monitor official weather updates as Typhoon Bavi continues its trajectory across the region. With the storm expected to make landfall in eastern China imminently, authorities are bracing for heavy rainfall, flooding, storm surges, and further transportation disruptions affecting millions.