Shanghai recently faced Typhoon Bebinca, the strongest storm to hit the city in over 70 years, making landfall on September 16, 2024. With wind speeds reaching 151 km/h (94 mph), the storm caused widespread chaos. More than 414,000 people were evacuated, over 1,600 flights were canceled, and highways and ports were shut down. The storm uprooted 10,000 trees, flooded major roads, and damaged vital infrastructure, including power outages. Rescue teams were mobilized to help, as heavy rains continued to threaten flooding in surrounding areas.
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The typhoon struck during China’s three-day Mid-Autumn Festival, significantly impacting travel and holiday plans for millions of people. In addition to the evacuations, more than 56,000 rescue workers were deployed to manage storm damage, and nearly 12,000 firefighters were brought in for immediate recovery efforts. The hardest-hit areas were in Shanghai's Pudong district, and the storm weakened as it moved inland toward Jiangsu and other neighboring provinces, though heavy rain persisted.
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Bebinca’s impact extended beyond city infrastructure; airports saw massive cancellations with over 1,400 flights affected in Shanghai alone. Ports were closed, train services suspended, and power outages were reported across the city, affecting around 380 households. Additionally, there were reports of one elderly man being injured by a falling tree. Emergency teams worked around the clock to clear debris, restore power, and assist those affected.
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Bebinca follows Super Typhoon Yagi, another powerful storm that struck southern China earlier in September, indicating a rise in the frequency and intensity of storms in the region. Experts suggest that climate change, particularly warmer ocean waters, is contributing to stronger typhoons. These intensified weather events pose significant risks to cities like Shanghai, which are not often in the direct path of such storms.
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Despite Bebinca weakening after landfall, it is still expected to bring heavy rainfall through mid-week, with potential for up to 30 centimeters of rain in certain areas. Authorities remain on high alert for possible flooding, especially in low-lying regions where drainage systems may be overwhelmed.
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This storm marks one of the most disruptive weather events in Shanghai’s recent history, illustrating the city's vulnerability to extreme weather, which is becoming more frequent due to climate change. The combination of population density, infrastructure challenges, and the global importance of Shanghai as a financial hub heightens the impact of such storms.
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While Bebinca has now weakened to a severe tropical storm, authorities are continuing their response efforts to mitigate the damage, restore order, and prevent further disruptions as the storm moves westward【25†source】.Ads8