Typhoon Dolphin Strikes China Amid Extreme Weather

Why in the News ?

Typhoon Dolphin made landfall in eastern China’s Zhejiang Province, triggering a red alert, mass flight cancellations, evacuations and warnings of torrential rainfall. The powerful storm also affected Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong, highlighting growing regional exposure to extreme weather events.

Typhoon Dolphin: Impact and Response

●     Typhoon Dolphin made landfall near Yuhuan City in Zhejiang Province, a densely populated region of eastern China.

●     The storm had maximum winds exceeding 150 km/h when it reached the Chinese coastline.

●     China’s National Meteorological Centre (NMC) issued the highest-level red typhoon alert, warning of exceptionally heavy rainfall.

●     Nearly 1,400 flights at Shanghai’s two major passenger airports were cancelled due to hazardous weather conditions.

●     Authorities undertook evacuations and emergency preparedness measures in vulnerable coastal areas.

●     The typhoon generated strong winds and torrential rainfall, increasing risks of flooding, infrastructure damage and disruption of essential services.

●     The storm affected areas beyond China, demonstrating the transboundary nature of extreme weather systems.

Regional Effects and Growing Climate Risks

●     Before reaching China, Dolphin brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to Okinawa, Japan.

●     Seven people in Okinawa suffered minor injuries, while around 5,290 households experienced power outages.

●     In Taiwan, dozens of ferry services were suspended and more than 180 flights were cancelled.

●     In Hong Kong, the typhoon pushed warm air into the region, contributing to a record temperature of 36.9°C.

●     Dolphin arrived only two weeks after Typhoon Noul, which had struck southern Guangdong and was described as China’s strongest storm of the year at that time.

●     The succession of powerful storms highlights the need for early-warning systems, resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness across East Asia.

 About Tropical Cyclones:

●     Tropical cyclones are intense low-pressure systems that develop primarily over warm tropical oceans.

●     They require sufficiently warm sea-surface temperatures, generally around 26.5°C or higher, along with adequate moisture and favourable atmospheric conditions.

●     The Coriolis force causes the rotating structure of cyclones and explains why they generally do not form directly over the equator.

●     Cyclones are accompanied by strong winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges and flooding, making coastal populations particularly vulnerable.

●     Early-warning systems, evacuation planning, cyclone shelters, resilient infrastructure and coordinated disaster response are crucial for reducing casualties.

●     Under India’s disaster-management framework, institutions such as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) play major roles in cyclone forecasting and preparedness.