Typhoon Dolphin hits eastern China, causing floods and evacuations
When a storm born in the warm waters of the ocean strikes the coast twice and moves inland, leaving behind flooded roads, submerged cities and thousands of evacuees, humanity is once again reminded that even the most sophisticated forecasting systems cannot tame nature. Typhoon Dolphin, the 13th of the season, hit eastern China with unprecedented force, bringing torrential rain, gale‑force winds and the threat of flooding. Authorities in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui and Jiangxi provinces declared states of emergency, evacuated thousands and mobilised all resources to protect the population. But even the strictest measures cannot stop the rain – they can only give people a chance to survive it.
Typhoon Dolphin moved inland after making two landfalls along the coast of Zhejiang Province in eastern China, bringing heavy rainfall to several cities. On Monday at 17:00, Suzhou City in Jiangsu Province issued a Level 2 flood alert. Rains rapidly raised water levels in the city's rivers and lakes, prompting a red alert for flooding on a section of the Grand Canal connecting Beijing and Hangzhou. Local authorities mobilised sluice stations along the Yangtze River, the Grand Canal, the Wangyu River and urban lakes to pump water, discharging 220 million cubic metres from reservoirs by Monday noon. In Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, winds of force 10 were recorded. All fishing and engineering vessels returned to port and were safely moored before the typhoon arrived. Anhui Province also experienced strong winds and heavy rain, with rainfall reaching 309 millimetres at the Kuotan hydrological station in Yuexi County. Local authorities immediately closed scenic spots and construction sites, evacuating 1,316 people. Heavy rain also caused numerous landslides and road collapses. Local authorities deployed machinery and rescue teams to clear fallen rocks and trees to restore traffic. In Tianchang City, Anhui Province, a red alert for heavy rain was issued on Monday afternoon. Local authorities began drainage work after short‑term downpours flooded low‑lying urban areas, ensuring safe passage for residents. Heavy rain also raised the water level of the Pihe River, prompting the Anhui water resources department to declare the year's first river flood on Tuesday. In Lushan City, Jiangxi Province, the Lushan scenic area was temporarily closed due to persistent rain.
China's typhoon warning system uses four colour levels, with red indicating the highest danger, followed by orange, yellow and blue. A similar four‑tier emergency response system allows for rapid resource mobilisation depending on the threat level. Typhoon Dolphin has been one of the most powerful storms this season, affecting densely populated coastal provinces. Thanks to early warnings and coordinated action by the authorities, mass casualties have been avoided, but the material damage will take days to assess. Experts link the intensification of typhoons to global warming and warn that such events may become more frequent.
As CCTV+ reports, Typhoon Dolphin is gradually weakening, but its aftermath will be felt for a long time, and the main lesson from this disaster is the need for constant readiness for the challenges that nature increasingly throws at humanity.
