Typhoon Dolphin: Shanghai cancels 1,300 flights as China evacuates 1 million

Storm strikes eastern coast

Typhoon Dolphin has made landfall on China's eastern coast, prompting authorities to cancel more than 1,300 flights at Shanghai's two main airports. The city, a global financial hub, came to a standstill as the storm's outer bands lashed the metropolis with heavy rain and strong winds.

The cancellations, announced on Sunday, affected both Pudong and Hongqiao airports. Travelers were seen queuing at counters to rebook or seek refunds as airlines struggled to adjust schedules.

Mass evacuations underway

Officials have evacuated more than one million people from coastal areas in the storm's path, moving residents to temporary shelters in schools and government buildings. The evacuation effort, one of the largest in recent years, covered low-lying districts and vulnerable communities.

State media reported that fishing boats were recalled to port and offshore oil platforms were shut down ahead of the typhoon's arrival. Emergency response teams have been deployed to the worst-affected provinces, though the full extent of damage is not yet clear.

Record rainfall, red alert

Shanghai recorded what meteorologists described as record rainfall for a single day, with some districts reporting over 300 mm of precipitation. The city's drainage system was overwhelmed in places, leading to waterlogging on major roads and in residential areas.

China's meteorological authority has issued a red alert, the highest level in its four-tier warning system. The alert warns of more heavy rain, storm surges, and potential landslides in the coming hours as Dolphin moves inland.

Crops at risk

Agricultural experts have flagged concerns over damage to summer crops, including rice and vegetables, in eastern China's fertile plains. The storm's timing is particularly bad, coming just before the harvest season for several key produce items.

Early reports suggest some farmland has been flooded, though officials have not yet provided an assessment of economic losses. The region is a major contributor to China's food supply, and prolonged waterlogging could affect yields.

What to watch

As Typhoon Dolphin weakens over land, the focus will shift to recovery and damage assessment. Authorities are expected to begin restoring transport links and power supply in the coming days, while farmers assess the blow to their crops. The storm's trajectory will also be monitored for any impact on neighboring provinces.