Typhoon "Bavi" approaches China: Zhejiang authorities step up safety measures
Nature does not ask permission when it reminds us of its power. Typhoons are one of the toughest trials for coastal regions, and each time China meets the elements fully prepared. As the ninth typhoon of the year, "Bavi", approaches, eastern provinces are putting all defence systems on alert to minimise damage and protect lives.
As Typhoon Bavi approaches China, local authorities in the eastern province of Zhejiang have stepped up precautions to ensure public safety. On Thursday, China's State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters raised its emergency response level for floods and typhoons from IV to III. According to meteorological services, at 14:00 on Thursday the typhoon's centre was over waters about 1,030 kilometres southeast of Keelung, Taiwan. The typhoon is expected to hit Taiwan's northern coast on Saturday and then make landfall along the coast between Fuqing in Fujian and Wenling in Zhejiang on Saturday evening. It is forecast to make landfall either as a super typhoon or a severe typhoon.
On Thursday at 09:00, Zhejiang's provincial flood control headquarters declared a Level 4 typhoon emergency. At the Shanhuang pumping station in Fenghua District, Ningbo, both sluice gates were fully opened to discharge water from inland rivers into the Dongjiang River. Station staff carried out thorough checks of critical facilities, including opening/closing mechanisms, power lines and control systems. "We carried out preventive water discharge at all key flood control sluices in the district, successfully lowering river water levels to a low point," said Huang Tao, an official at the Fenghua Water Resources River and Lake Management Centre.
Meanwhile, in Wenzhou, the local fire and rescue unit completed city wide inspections and tests of all water rescue equipment. The Wenzhou Water Resources Department dispatched staff to open sluices and release water from 20 reservoirs. "First, we increased shift rotations and patrol frequency. Second, we conducted a thorough check of emergency supplies. Third, we carried out load tests on our generator sets," said Huang Kexin, deputy director of the Qiaodong Reservoir management office in Cangnan County. In the coming days, the water resources department will adjust reservoir operations based on rainfall and water level data.
Maritime inspectors in Taizhou are checking vessel safety, while 33 water related projects and 18 coastal passenger ferry routes have been suspended. Shengsi County, the easternmost island county of Zhejiang, organised the orderly evacuation of tourists from all islands under its jurisdiction. So far, more than 9,000 people have been evacuated, and ferry services are expected to be suspended from Friday.
Typhoon Bavi is the ninth tropical cyclone this season and is moving towards China's eastern coast. China's typhoon warning system has four response levels, with IV being the lowest and I the highest. The upgrade to Level III means authorities are moving to high alert. Authorities in Zhejiang and Fujian have already carried out preventive water releases and infrastructure checks.
As CCTV+ reports. The typhoon is expected to continue intensifying over the next 24 hours, and precautionary measures will be stepped up as it approaches.
