Shanghai cancels 1,300 flights as Typhoon Dolphin hits China's eastern coast

Typhoon Dolphin hit China’s eastern coast on Sunday evening after forcing over 300,000 people to preemptively relocate and Shanghai’s two airports to cancel more than 1,300 flights. The storm brought heavy rains to northern Taiwan the day before.

The storm hit the city of Taizhou in Zhejiang province and the northern parts of neighboring Fujian province on Sunday evening, bringing strong winds, estimated at 151 kilometers per hour (93 mph) when it made landfall, and massive waves to the city's coastline.

Passengers walk under a departure board at Ningbo railway station as most trains are cancelled due to approaching Typhoon Dolphin. AFP

Heavy rains have created a risk of severe flooding in Zhejiang, and authorities have warned of severe landslide risks.

Shanghai's Hongqiao and Pudong airports canceled about 60% of Sunday's expected flights, according to the Paper, the city's state media.

Forecasters in China predicted that areas could see 200-400 mm (7.9-15.7 inches) of rainfall over the next few days.

The outer bands of the storm on Saturday hit northern Taiwan, including the capital Taipei, bringing rain. Some Taiwanese airlines also canceled their flights to China on Sunday.

People hold umbrellas as winds intensify ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Dolphin in Shanghai. Reuters

On Saturday evening, authorities in Zhejiang evacuated some 390,000 people in the city of Taizhou. Authorities in Shanghai evacuated more than 30,000 people from riskier areas.

Zhejiang authorities also suspended all water-based activities, including ferries and cruises.

Associated Press