The strongest typhoon to hit Shanghai since 1949, Typhoon Bebinca, has made landfall on Monday, bringing with it powerful winds and torrential rain that left a trail of destruction and disruption in its wake.
The typhoon, which packed winds of 151 kph (94 mph) near its center, knocked out power to at least 380 households, uprooted or damaged over 10,000 trees, and injured at least one person. The extent of the injuries was not immediately clear.
“We were prepared for the worst, but the storm was still intense,” said a resident of the Pudong business district, where the typhoon made landfall. “The winds were howling, and the rain was relentless.”
More than 414,000 people had been evacuated by Monday ahead of the storm, with schools closed and people advised to stay indoors.
Over 60,000 emergency responders and firefighters were on hand to lend aid in Shanghai, according to state media.
The typhoon also caused significant disruptions to travel, with flights, ferries, and train services suspended in Shanghai and neighboring provinces.
Shanghai’s airports canceled more than 1,400 flights starting Sunday and through Monday, while in Hangzhou, authorities canceled over 180 flights.
“It’s a shame that the storm hit during the Mid-Autumn Festival, but safety is our top priority,” said a spokesperson for the Shanghai government. “We will do our best to restore normalcy as soon as possible.”
As the typhoon moved inland, it doused parts of Jiangsu, Anhui, and Zhejiang provinces, causing further damage and disruption.
The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but it is clear that Typhoon Bebinca has left a significant impact on Shanghai and the surrounding areas.
Boluwatife Enome
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