Deadly Typhoon Bebinca Wreaks Havoc in Eastern China, Weakens to Tropical Storm

Typhoon Bebinca, the most powerful storm to strike Shanghai since 1949, has left a trail of destruction across eastern China. The typhoon, which has since weakened to a tropical storm, claimed two lives and caused extensive damage before moving inland.

In Zhoushi Town, located approximately 80 kilometers northwest of Shanghai in Jiangsu province, two residents tragically lost their lives due to electrocution from a fallen high-voltage power line. This incident occurred on September 16, 2024, as the typhoon unleashed its fury on the region.

The storm's impact was felt strongly in Shanghai, China's most populous city with over 24 million inhabitants. Roads were inundated, tree branches littered the streets, and power outages affected numerous homes. On Chongming Island, the world's largest alluvial island, a resident sustained injuries from a falling tree.

Authorities took preemptive measures to mitigate the storm's impact. Over 414,000 people were evacuated from high-risk areas, schools were closed, and residents were advised to remain indoors. Public transportation, including flights, ferries, and train services, was suspended to ensure public safety.

"Typhoon Bebinca is the strongest storm to hit Shanghai since at least 1949, necessitating unprecedented precautionary measures."

As China experiences an average of 7-8 typhoons annually, with the season typically running from July to September, the country has developed sophisticated response systems. Shanghai, in particular, boasts an advanced flood prevention system, including flood walls and gates, which were put to the test during this event.

By the evening of September 16, 2024, Shanghai's roads were cleared, and traffic returned to normal. Power supply was fully restored by midnight on September 17, 2024, showcasing the city's resilience and efficient recovery efforts.

The National Meteorological Center has issued warnings for other provinces, including Anhui, Henan, Hebei, Shandong, and Jiangsu. These regions may experience heavy or torrential rains, with up to 20 centimeters of rainfall expected through the afternoon of September 18, 2024.

As the region recovers from Typhoon Bebinca's impact, experts continue to monitor the long-term effects of climate change on typhoon patterns in the area. The increasing intensity and frequency of such storms pose ongoing challenges for China's coastal regions and infrastructure, including its world-leading high-speed rail network.