China and Taiwan prepare for powerful Typhoon Bavi as storm approaches

China and Taiwan are preparing for the arrival of Typhoon Bavi.

China and Taiwan are preparing for the arrival of Typhoon Bavi, which forecasters warn could become one of the strongest and largest storms to strike the region in recent years. The powerful system is moving towards Taiwan with winds reaching nearly 200 kilometres per hour while authorities continue dealing with the damage left behind by Typhoon Maysak.

Officials in Taiwan have urged residents to prepare for severe weather by storing essential supplies and following emergency warnings. Weather experts say Bavi could be the most powerful typhoon to affect the island since 2024 and one of the largest storms recorded in decades.

According to China’s National Meteorological Centre, the typhoon is expected to pass close to northern Taiwan before making landfall in the eastern Chinese province of Fujian on Saturday evening. At its widest point, the storm stretches about 1,000 kilometres across, making it one of the biggest weather systems to approach the region in many years.

Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration said storms of this size have become increasingly rare. Forecasters warned that although the typhoon may weaken slightly before reaching land, it is still expected to bring destructive winds, heavy rainfall and dangerous coastal conditions across Taiwan and eastern China.

The warning comes as China continues to recover from Typhoon Maysak, which caused widespread flooding in the southern region of Guangxi. Local authorities said at least 39 people were killed during the disaster, while nine others remain missing. Flooding also caused extensive damage to homes, roads and public infrastructure.

Scientists have warned that countries across East Asia are becoming more vulnerable to severe weather as global temperatures continue to rise. China, Taiwan and Japan have all experienced stronger storms in recent years, with experts linking the trend to climate change. Meteorologists also believe the expected development of El Nino this year could create conditions that lead to more intense tropical storms.

Weather experts say Bavi has gathered strength over the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean, allowing it to absorb large amounts of heat and moisture. They caution that even a small change in the storm’s path could significantly affect the areas that experience the greatest damage.

In the Taiwanese fishing town of Suao, hundreds of fishing boats returned to harbour to avoid the approaching storm. Local residents collected sandbags to protect their homes while farmers rushed to harvest crops before heavy rain arrived. Fishermen said the calm weather before the storm should not give people a false sense of security because conditions could change rapidly.

Japan has also begun preparations as the typhoon moves closer to the region. Authorities in Okinawa warned residents to remain alert for powerful winds, flooding, landslides and dangerous storm surges. Major airlines including Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways cancelled dozens of domestic flights, affecting thousands of passengers ahead of the storm.

The effects of Typhoon Maysak are still being felt in parts of China. Severe flooding in Guangxi caused more than one hundred animals to escape from a local zoo, including zebras, porcupines, parrots and raccoons. Several lions died during the flooding, while other animals were rescued or safely secured after the disaster.

Emergency services across China, Taiwan and Japan remain on high alert as Typhoon Bavi approaches. Authorities have urged residents to follow official forecasts, avoid unnecessary travel and take precautions as the storm is expected to bring dangerous weather conditions over the coming days.