Typhoon Dolphin, which was anticipated as from Friday, August 7, finally hit China on Sunday, August 9, 2026.
The massive cyclone reached Shanghai and its environs at a speed of 150km/hr, causing massive damage along the way.
Typhoons are tropical cyclones that move over the north-western part of the Pacific. That is why they mostly affect areas like Taiwan, the Philippines, China, and other countries in that region.
Damage from Typhoon Dolphin
In Okinawa, for instance, a Japanese island near China, Typhoon Dolphin has damaged over 50,000 buildings.
Then in Shanghai, China’s most populous city, it has caused massive rains and consequently massive flooding. The flooding has affected daily life in the city and its environs.
For instance, normal business is now disrupted, with Shanghai’s two main airports canceling over 900 flights.
Shanghai is also a major commercial center. It is also a financial hub with many industrial investments. Hence, losing a day in business can impact China’s economy significantly.
As flooding continues in the Shanghai suburbs, authorities have organized to evacuate residents. So far, the number of people evacuated in Shanghai and nearby provinces has hit a million.
Incidentally, it is not unusual for countries to evacuate people due to typhoons, hurricanes, and other cyclones.
Where Typhoons Come From
Typhoons form when ocean waters heat up due to rising atmospheric temperatures. The ideal heat is around 27° C.
If the winds in the area then blow at a high speed, a typhoon can form. But that speed needs to remain at around 100 km /hr. or higher.
How China is Managing the Effects of Typhoon Dolphin
Typhoon Dolphin has disrupted normal life in major cities like Shanghai, Zheijiang, and Yuhuan. However, China seems to be handling the situation well.
The authorities have even evacuated those adversely affected in the Shanghai suburbs. Moreover, the government has set aside almost $30 million to help out in Zheijiang.
In fact, with the measures the government is taking, people hope normalcy will soon resume. And that should probably begin with the resumption of normal airport operations.