China and Taiwan remain on heightened alert as Typhoon Bavi advances across the Pacific Ocean, bringing powerful winds close to 200 kilometers per hour. Forecasters warn this could be the most intense and expansive tropical storm to impact the region in decades.
The storm stretches approximately 1,000 kilometers wide, comparable to the breadth of France. It is expected to pass near northern Taiwan before making landfall in China’s eastern Fujian province by Saturday evening.
Taiwanese officials are preparing extensively, mobilizing 29,000 troops for potential rescue and relief efforts. Northern mountainous areas of the island, including regions surrounding the capital Taipei, are anticipating up to one meter (3.3 feet) of rainfall.
Jason Chang, a forecaster at Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration, noted that storms of this magnitude have been uncommon in recent years, with Bavi likely to be the largest in physical size to strike Taiwan since 1987.
In northeastern port towns such as Suao, the atmosphere is tense but active. Hundreds of fishing boats have sought shelter in harbors, residents are lining up for sandbags, and farmers are hastily harvesting crops ahead of the storm’s arrival.
Meanwhile, China is still grappling with the aftermath of Typhoon Maysak, which devastated the southwestern Guangxi region earlier this week. Rescue teams continue searching through the destruction caused by Maysak, which has resulted in at least 39 confirmed fatalities and nine missing persons in Guangxi.
The storm’s remnants also triggered tornadoes and severe flooding in central Hubei province, causing significant agricultural damage. At a zoo in Guigang, three lions drowned, and over 100 animals, including zebras and porcupines, remain unaccounted for.
The approach of Typhoon Bavi has further disrupted regional travel. Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture is preparing for strong winds and storm surges, leading major airlines to cancel numerous flights. Japan Airlines (JAL) called off 48 domestic and two international flights on Friday, affecting more than 7,600 passengers. Similarly, All Nippon Airways (ANA) canceled dozens of flights on Friday and Saturday, impacting nearly 7,700 travelers.
Meteorologists caution that although Bavi may slightly weaken in wind strength, it remains extremely dangerous due to the vast moisture it has absorbed over warm ocean waters. Experts highlight that China, Taiwan, and Japan are increasingly vulnerable to more frequent and severe weather events.
Concerns are heightened this year by the presence of El Niño, which raises sea temperatures and intensifies the potential for destructive typhoons in the region.
