TAIPEI — Powerful Typhoon Bavi approached northern Taiwan and the southeast coast of China on Saturday, prompting widespread transport disruptions, school and office closures, evacuations and emergency preparations as authorities warned of destructive winds, heavy rain and dangerous coastal conditions.
Taiwan's Central Weather Administration said the storm was expected to pass north of the island before moving toward China's eastern coastline. Authorities suspended classes and work in Taipei and several surrounding areas, while airlines cancelled numerous domestic and international flights and ferry services were halted because of deteriorating weather conditions.
China activated emergency measures along its eastern seaboard ahead of an expected landfall later on Saturday. State media and local authorities said about 17,000 residents had been evacuated in Zhejiang province, roughly 170,000 emergency responders had been placed on standby, ferry services in Fujian were suspended and fishing vessels were ordered back to port. Reservoir levels were also lowered and parks closed in some areas to reduce flood risks.
Meteorological agencies warned that Bavi could bring hurricane-force winds, torrential rainfall, high waves and storm surges across waters near Taiwan, the East China Sea and parts of China's southeastern coast. The Hong Kong Observatory forecast the cyclone would move closer to eastern China after passing waters east of Taiwan, while international marine weather bulletins warned of seas reaching up to 14 metres in affected areas.
Authorities urged residents in areas along the storm's projected path to avoid unnecessary travel and follow official evacuation and safety instructions.
No official reports of fatalities or major damage in Taiwan or mainland China directly linked to Bavi had been confirmed at the time of publication. The situation remained fluid as the typhoon continued its approach and emergency agencies monitored its progress.
