Shanghai Braces for Worst Typhoon in 75 Years
Shanghai has been struck by Typhoon Bebinca, the most powerful storm to hit the city in 75 years. The typhoon made landfall around 7:30 AM local time (23:30 GMT) in Lingang New City, on Shanghai’s eastern coast.
With winds reaching speeds of up to 151 km/h (94 mph), the storm prompted a red alert, the highest level of warning. Thousands of residents have been evacuated, and all flights at Shanghai's two major airports have been canceled. Train services and highways are shut, and a 40 km/h (25 mph) speed limit has been enforced within the city.
Shanghai’s 25 million residents have been advised to remain indoors. Over 400,000 people had been relocated by Sunday evening, with an additional 9,000 evacuated from Chongming District. The city’s flood control authorities reported numerous incidents including fallen trees and billboards.
Major attractions like Shanghai Disney Resort and Shanghai Wild Animal Park are closed, and ferry services have been suspended.
Typhoon Bebinca follows Typhoon Yagi, which earlier this month caused fatalities and flooding in southern China, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Bebinca is expected to continue north-west, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui provinces.
