TAIPEI, Taiwan – Taiwan and China are preparing for the arrival of Super Typhoon Bavi, a massive storm forecast to strike the region this weekend with destructive winds, torrential rainfall, and a high risk of flooding and landslides, prompting large-scale emergency preparations across both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
China’s National Meteorological Centre said Bavi is expected to brush northern Taiwan before making landfall in Fujian province on Saturday evening, where authorities have warned of severe weather conditions along the southeastern coast. The storm is forecast to remain extremely powerful as it approaches the mainland, raising concerns over widespread disruptions and damage. According to Reuters, meteorologists described Bavi as potentially the strongest typhoon to threaten the region in years.
Bavi spans roughly 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) across, making it one of the largest storms in recent years. The typhoon is packing maximum sustained winds approaching 200 kilometers per hour, while forecasters warned that parts of northern Taiwan could receive as much as 1 meter (39 inches) of rainfall, increasing the risk of flash floods, river overflows, and landslides.
Taiwan has activated extensive emergency measures ahead of the storm. The government has mobilized nearly 29,000 military personnel for disaster response operations, while local authorities urged residents to secure their homes, prepare emergency supplies, and avoid unnecessary travel.
Air travel is also expected to be severely affected. Taoyuan International Airport, Taiwan’s busiest gateway, announced the cancellation of all scheduled flights on Saturday as the typhoon approaches. Hundreds of fishing vessels have already returned to ports, including Suao Harbor, to seek shelter from dangerous seas and powerful winds.
On the Chinese mainland, emergency agencies are preparing for Bavi while continuing recovery efforts from Typhoon Maysak, which recently triggered widespread flooding and claimed at least 39 lives in southern China. Officials fear that saturated ground conditions could worsen flooding, trigger landslides, and complicate rescue operations once Bavi makes landfall.
Japan is also expected to feel the storm’s effects, with forecasts calling for heavy rain and strong winds in parts of the country. Airlines have begun adjusting flight schedules as a precaution against deteriorating weather conditions.
Meteorologists said the storm’s enormous size, powerful wind field, and potential for prolonged heavy rainfall make Bavi particularly dangerous. Beyond destructive winds, authorities are closely monitoring the risk of storm surges along coastal communities and inland flooding in mountainous areas.
The latest threat comes as East Asia experiences another active tropical cyclone season. Warmer ocean temperatures continue to provide favorable conditions for powerful storms, prompting governments across the region to strengthen disaster preparedness and early warning systems.
Authorities in Taiwan and China continue to urge residents in vulnerable areas to monitor official weather advisories, follow evacuation orders when issued, and avoid coastal waters and flood-prone locations until the typhoon has passed.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
