Typhoon Dolphin Moves Inland Across China as Heavy Rain and Flood Threat Grow
China is facing a major weather emergency as Typhoon Dolphin moves deeper inland, bringing torrential rain, flooding and the threat of landslides across large parts of the country. The storm has already disrupted transportation, flooded parts of Shanghai and forced hundreds of thousands of people to leave vulnerable areas.
Typhoon Dolphin made landfall in eastern China's Zhejiang province with sustained winds of around 151 kilometers per hour before weakening. Despite losing strength, the storm's huge circulation continues to produce intense rainfall across several provinces.
Typhoon Dolphin Pushes Into Central China
On Tuesday, August 11, Dolphin's storm system moved farther inland toward Hubei province, raising concerns about additional flooding in central China.
Authorities have closed tourist attractions in some affected areas and suspended or restricted activities considered dangerous during the severe weather. Forecasters are warning that heavy rainfall could continue as the storm system travels farther inland.
The storm's impact is not limited to the area where it originally made landfall. Its enormous rain bands have affected Zhejiang, Shanghai, Anhui, Jiangsu, Shandong and other regions, while additional rainfall is expected in central China.
Shanghai Hit by Torrential Rain
Shanghai has experienced some of the most visible effects of the storm.
Heavy rain flooded roads and disrupted public transportation, while authorities took emergency measures in several parts of the city. According to Reuters, 943 flights were canceled in Shanghai, representing roughly 40% of scheduled flights during the disruption.
The flooding has also affected homes, businesses and streets. Some suburban districts experienced water reaching knee level, creating serious difficulties for residents and emergency crews.
Authorities have warned people to remain cautious as rivers and waterways continue to rise.
Hundreds of Thousands Evacuated
The storm has triggered large-scale evacuations across affected parts of eastern China.
According to the Associated Press, approximately 760,000 people were evacuated from areas threatened by flooding and other hazards. Major relocations took place in Zhejiang, Shanghai and Fujian as authorities attempted to move residents away from vulnerable areas before conditions worsened.
Earlier reports indicated that more than one million people had been moved or evacuated across parts of eastern China as the typhoon approached and severe rainfall intensified.
Officials have also warned that landslides could occur in mountainous areas, particularly where the ground has become saturated after prolonged rainfall.
Record Rainfall Adds to Flood Risk
One of the biggest concerns surrounding Dolphin is the amount of rain associated with its enormous storm system.
Shanghai recorded exceptionally heavy rainfall, while forecasters warned that some areas could receive several hundred millimeters of rain.
Reuters previously reported forecasts of 250 to 500 millimeters of rainfall in parts of central and eastern Zhejiang.
Such rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems, raise river levels and increase the possibility of flash floods.
The combination of saturated soil, swollen rivers and continuing rainfall is making the situation particularly dangerous in low-lying and mountainous areas.
Transportation Disrupted Across China
The typhoon has caused major disruptions to China's transportation network.
Airports have canceled hundreds of flights, while railway and urban transportation services have also been affected in some locations.
Shanghai's airports have been particularly affected, with hundreds of flights canceled because of dangerous weather conditions.
Officials have also temporarily suspended some services and closed tourist attractions to protect residents and visitors.
The disruption comes during a period when millions of people normally travel across China, meaning the storm could have a significant impact on domestic tourism and business activity.
Beijing Also Watches the Storm
Although Beijing was not directly hit by Dolphin's landfall, authorities are closely monitoring the storm system because of the possibility of heavy rainfall.
The storm is expected to influence weather conditions farther inland as it continues moving across China.
Heavy rain in and around major urban centers can quickly create problems for roads, drainage systems and transportation networks.
Authorities are therefore urging residents to follow weather warnings and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall.
Why Typhoon Dolphin Is Unusual
Dolphin has attracted significant attention because of the size and duration of its storm system.
The cyclone traveled a long distance before reaching eastern China and maintained enough strength to produce severe weather across a wide area.
Even after weakening from typhoon strength, its remaining circulation continued to transport large amounts of moisture into areas far from the original landfall location.
That means the greatest danger is no longer simply strong winds. Flooding, landslides and prolonged heavy rain have become the main threats.
Emergency Response Continues
Chinese authorities are continuing emergency operations in areas affected by flooding.
Rescue and emergency teams are monitoring rivers and vulnerable communities while local governments prepare shelters and emergency resources.
Officials have also urged residents living near rivers, steep slopes and other high-risk areas to follow evacuation instructions if authorities issue them.
The priority remains protecting lives and preventing additional casualties as the storm moves inland.
More Rain Could Be on the Way
Meteorologists are closely watching Dolphin's movement because the storm's weakening does not necessarily mean the danger has ended.
Tropical systems can continue producing extremely heavy rainfall after losing their strongest winds.
As Dolphin moves toward central China, additional rainfall could increase pressure on already swollen rivers and drainage systems.
Authorities in affected provinces are therefore maintaining heightened flood preparedness.
Impact Beyond China
Dolphin's broader weather system has also affected other parts of East Asia.
The storm previously passed near Japan's Okinawa region, while Taiwan and other areas experienced transportation disruptions and heavy weather associated with the system.
The Philippines has also experienced intensified monsoon rainfall linked to the wider weather pattern, with flooding and landslides reported in parts of Luzon.
The storm therefore represents a regional weather event rather than a problem limited to a single Chinese province.
What Happens Next?
The immediate focus for Chinese authorities is on flood prevention, evacuation, rescue operations and restoring transportation services.
Dolphin is expected to weaken further as it moves inland, but its rainfall threat could continue even after its strongest winds disappear.
Residents in affected regions are being advised to remain alert, stay away from flooded roads and avoid entering buildings or areas that may be unstable after flooding.
For Shanghai and other heavily affected cities, restoring transportation and dealing with waterlogged areas will remain a major challenge.
The full economic impact of Typhoon Dolphin is still being assessed. However, the cancellation of hundreds of flights, widespread flooding and mass evacuations already point to a significant disruption.
As the storm continues its journey across China, authorities are warning that the biggest danger now comes from persistent heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides rather than the typhoon's wind strength.
USNewsXpo will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as Chinese authorities release new information about flooding, evacuations, transportation and the storm's path.
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