Typhoon Bavi made landfall in eastern China on Sunday, July 12, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the region [5].

The storm represents one of the most powerful systems of the 2026 Pacific season. Its arrival forced a massive mobilization of emergency services to mitigate structural damage and prevent widespread flooding in coastal provinces.

The typhoon struck the eastern coast of Zhejiang province, specifically near the city of Wenzhou [3]. Reports indicate the storm brought maximum sustained winds of 144 km/h [6]. Local authorities ordered mass evacuations to protect residents from the storm surge and inland flooding.

Estimates for the number of people evacuated vary across reports. Some records indicate more than one million people were moved [4], while other reports place the figure at 1.7 million [2] or 1.8 million [3]. The highest estimate suggests nearly two million people were evacuated [1].

While some reports suggested landfall occurred on Saturday, July 11, other sources confirm the event took place on Sunday [5]. The storm continues to threaten the region with days of heavy rain, which increases the risk of landslides and urban flooding in the densely populated coastal belt.

Emergency crews remain on high alert as the system moves inland. The scale of the evacuation effort reflects the severity of the storm's projected impact on infrastructure and public safety in Zhejiang province.

“Typhoon Bavi was one of the most powerful storms of the 2026 Pacific season.”

The scale of the evacuations in Zhejiang province highlights the increasing vulnerability of China's eastern industrial hubs to extreme weather. By moving up to 2 million people, authorities are prioritizing the prevention of mass casualties over economic continuity, suggesting that the 2026 Pacific season is presenting risks that exceed standard seasonal expectations.