China evacuates 1.8 million people as Typhoon Bavi nears coast

China has evacuated more than 1.8 million people as Typhoon Bavi moves closer to the eastern coastal city of Wenzhou.

The powerful storm is approaching Zhejiang Province after passing near Taiwan’s northern coast and affecting parts of southern Japan.

Typhoon Bavi reached its peak strength with winds of up to 144 kilometres per hour. It was classified as a Category 1 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

Officials said the storm has weakened slightly due to cooler ocean temperatures. However, weather experts warned that heavy rainfall remains a major threat.

The storm’s large rain bands could cause flooding despite the reduction in wind speed. Authorities have warned people in vulnerable areas to remain alert as the typhoon is expected to make landfall near Wenzhou.

More than 1.7 million people have been evacuated in Zhejiang Province, while around 100,000 residents have been moved to safer locations in neighbouring Fujian Province.

Emergency teams have been placed on standby to respond to possible flooding, strong winds, and other weather-related emergencies.

Residents in Wenzhou have prepared essential supplies, including drinking water and food, as the city braces for the storm’s impact.

The typhoon also affected Taiwan, where more than 14,000 people were evacuated from mountainous areas. Hundreds of domestic and international flights were cancelled due to safety concerns.

Taiwanese authorities reported dozens of injuries, mainly caused by falls during the storm. No deaths were reported in Taiwan or Japan.

The Philippines faced the most severe impact from Bavi and related monsoon rains, with at least 17 people reported dead.

Authorities across East Asia remain on high alert as Typhoon Bavi continues its path toward China’s coast, with concerns over flooding and possible damage in affected areas.