Typhoon Dolphin has weakened after making landfall along China's eastern coast, but heavy rainfall and flooding continue to disrupt parts of eastern and central China.
The storm made landfall in Zhejiang province on Sunday evening, carrying maximum sustained winds of around 151 kmph, before weakening as it moved inland.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Typhoon Dolphin made landfall in Zhejiang province on Sunday. The storm carried winds of around 151 kmph at landfall.
Dolphin has since weakened to a tropical storm. Heavy rainfall continues across eastern and central China.
Shanghai recorded major flight disruptions. 943 flights were cancelled at Shanghai's two airports, according to Reports. More than one million people were relocated across affected areas, according to reports.
More than one million people were relocated across affected areas, according to reports. Flooding has affected parts of Shanghai and other areas.
Although Dolphin has lost typhoon strength, its remaining circulation continues to produce intense rainfall across several provinces, including Anhui, Jiangsu and Shandong.
Shanghai has been among the areas facing major disruption. According to Reports, the city's two airports cancelled 943 flights, reducing flight capacity by nearly 40%.
Several urban areas have also experienced significant waterlogging, with flooding reported in parts of Shanghai.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Typhoon Dolphin may have weakened, but its heavy rainfall and flooding threat continues across eastern China. The disruption to flights, transport and the displacement of large numbers of residents highlights the storm's continuing impact even after landfall.
More Than One Million People Relocated
Authorities have carried out large-scale precautionary evacuations and relocations as the storm moved through eastern China.
Wenzhou in Zhejiang province was among the areas that undertook major evacuation measures, while emergency shelters were opened to accommodate displaced residents.
The scale of the evacuation reflects concerns over flooding, landslides and rapidly changing weather conditions.
Shanghai Faces Heavy Rain and Flooding
The storm's effects have extended beyond the immediate landfall zone.
Shanghai has experienced intense rainfall and flooding, disrupting roads and public services in several districts.
Reported that streets in suburban parts of the city were waterlogged, while local authorities suspended some non-essential operations in affected areas.
The rainfall has also disrupted transportation, with flights cancelled and public services affected.
Storm Weakens, But Rain Threat Remains
Meteorological authorities have warned that weakening wind strength does not mean the emergency is over.
Dolphin's remnants are continuing to move inland and are expected to bring heavy rainfall to parts of central China.
The continuing rainfall creates risks of flash flooding, landslides and further disruption, particularly in areas already saturated by earlier rainfall.
Authorities are therefore continuing to monitor the storm even after it lost typhoon intensity.
China Impact Update
Unlike the earlier Japan-focused coverage of Typhoon Dolphin, the latest phase of the storm is centred on its China landfall and aftermath.
The immediate concerns have shifted from preparations for landfall to managing flooding, displaced residents and transport disruption.
Zhejiang bore the initial impact of the storm, while rainfall subsequently affected a wider area including Shanghai, Anhui, Jiangsu and Shandong.
The storm's weakening is expected to reduce destructive winds, but heavy rainfall can continue even after a tropical cyclone loses its typhoon classification.
