Typhoon Bavi approaches Taiwan and China as landslides kill 15 in Philippines

A massive tropical cyclone named Bavi is tracking toward Taiwan and southeastern China, with the system spanning roughly 1,000 km (620 mi) at its widest point. Meteorological agencies, including the Japan Meteorological Agency and the China Meteorological Administration, have upgraded the storm to a super‑typhoon, projecting sustained winds of 150–170 km/h (93–106 mph) and gusts exceeding 200 km/h (124 mph). The storm is expected to make landfall within the next 48 hours, prompting the issuance of the highest-level typhoon warnings for Taiwan’s eastern coast and China’s Fujian and Zhejiang provinces. Authorities have ordered evacuations of coastal communities, suspended ferry services, and mobilized emergency response teams to reinforce flood defenses and prepare shelters.

Bavi is being described as one of the strongest storms to affect the region in several decades, comparable in size and intensity to the 1999 Typhoon Lekima and the 2009 Typhoon Morakot. Forecast models indicate a rapid intensification as the system moves over warm sea‑surface temperatures, raising concerns about heavy rainfall, landslides, and storm surge that could threaten densely populated areas. Residents have been advised to secure property, avoid low‑lying zones, and stay tuned to official updates. The combined preparedness measures aim to mitigate potential loss of life and infrastructure damage as Bavi approaches landfall later this week.