Shanghai cancels over 1,300 flights as China braces for Typhoon Dolphin

Shanghai’s two major airports canceled more than 1,300 flights Sunday as authorities across parts of eastern China evacuated hundreds of thousands of people ahead of Typhoon Dolphin, which brought heavy rain to northern Taiwan.

The storm’s outer bands affected northern Taiwan, including the capital Taipei, on Saturday. Several Taiwanese airlines also canceled flights to China scheduled for Sunday.

Dolphin had maximum sustained winds of about 162 kilometers per hour (101 mph) as of Sunday morning, according to authorities. The typhoon was expected to bring heavy rainfall and increase the risks of flooding and landslides as it approached Zhejiang province and northern parts of neighboring Fujian province later in the day.

Chinese forecasters warned that some areas could receive between 200 and 400 millimeters (7.9 to 15.7 inches) of rain over the following several days. Authorities in Zhejiang issued warnings over the heightened risk of landslides.

Shanghai’s Hongqiao and Pudong airports each canceled around 60% of their scheduled flights for Sunday, according to Shanghai state media outlet The Paper.

In Zhejiang, authorities evacuated about 390,000 people from vulnerable areas in Taizhou on Saturday evening. Shanghai authorities also moved more than 30,000 residents from areas considered at greater risk.

Authorities in Zhejiang suspended water-based activities, including ferry services and cruises, as a precaution against the approaching storm.

The typhoon’s expected landfall and heavy rainfall prompted authorities to strengthen emergency preparations across the region, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding and landslides.