Typhoon Bebinca Approaches Shanghai, Authorities Brace for Impact
Emergency response launched, public safety a priority as storm nears

Chinese authorities prepared for heavy rain as Typhoon Bebinca advanced towards the country’s densely populated eastern seaboard. The powerful storm is expected to make landfall between Sunday night and Monday morning, affecting key areas, including the megacity of Shanghai. Beijing’s emergency management ministry warned of “heavy to torrential” downpours from Sunday to Tuesday, with the risk of “extremely heavy rainstorms” in localized areas.

Emergency Preparations and Public Warnings

On Saturday, officials held an urgent meeting to plan flood and typhoon control measures in vulnerable regions. In response, the water resources ministry launched a level-four emergency response for Shanghai and the surrounding provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui. This coincides with China’s Mid-Autumn Festival, a major public holiday, adding to concerns as millions of people are expected to be on the move. Authorities stressed the need for heightened vigilance, urging residents to safeguard infrastructure, transportation, and agriculture from the storm’s destructive potential.

Shanghai municipal authorities further issued warnings for high-altitude work and public safety, advising the suspension of passenger shipping lines and adjustments to flights at the city’s major airports due to the incoming typhoon.

Climate Change and Rising Extreme Weather Events

Typhoon Bebinca comes as China, the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, experiences more frequent extreme weather events driven by climate change. Earlier this month, Typhoon Yagi caused widespread damage, killing four and injuring 95 in southern China. Similarly, Japan has been battered by intense storms, with Typhoon Bebinca previously lashing Japan’s Amami island, causing fears of landslides due to heavy rainfall. Last month’s typhoon left six dead in Japan and triggered devastating transport disruptions. Extreme weather events like these continue to underscore the growing threat of climate change across the region.