Eastern China is on heightened alert ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Dolphin, with authorities carrying out mass evacuations and more than 1,300 flights being canceled at Shanghai’s two major airports.

The powerful weather system has already affected northern Taiwan, where its outer bands brought heavy rainfall on Saturday, including to the capital, Taipei.

The worsening weather conditions also prompted Taiwanese airlines to cancel flights bound for China.

Winds of 162 km/h and Up to 400 Millimeters of Rain

Winds accompanying Dolphin reached a maximum intensity of approximately 162 kilometers per hour, while particular concern is being caused by the large amounts of rainfall expected in the areas along its path.

Weather forecasts indicate that Zhejiang Province, as well as the northern areas of neighboring Fujian Province, will be at the center of the storm.

Total rainfall could reach 200 to 400 millimeters over the coming days, significantly increasing the risk of flooding and landslides.

Shanghai Airports “Paralyzed”

Major disruptions have already affected air travel. At Shanghai’s two major airports, Pudong and Hongqiao, more than 1,300 flights have been canceled.

The cancellations account for approximately 60% of the flights scheduled for Sunday, as authorities and airlines prepare for deteriorating weather conditions.

More Than 400,000 People Evacuated from Dangerous Areas

A large-scale preventive evacuation operation is also underway in areas considered particularly vulnerable to the typhoon.

In Zhejiang Province, approximately 390,000 residents of Taizhou were evacuated from their homes as a precaution.

Similar measures have been taken in Shanghai, where more than 30,000 people have been moved from areas classified as high-risk as authorities prepare for Dolphin’s main impact.