Tropical Storm Dolphin Lashes Eastern China Amid Heavy Downpours and Gusts

Tropical Storm Dolphin has slammed into eastern China

Tropical Storm Dolphin has slammed into eastern China, bringing torrential rainfall and fierce winds that disrupted transport and forced authorities to issue urgent weather alerts. The storm made landfall along the coast on Friday, with maximum sustained winds reaching up to 90 kilometers per hour, according to the national meteorological agency.

In the coastal provinces of Zhejiang and Fujian, streets were flooded, and trees were uprooted as the storm swept through. Local officials suspended ferry services and halted some high-speed rail operations to ensure passenger safety. Emergency crews worked overnight to clear debris and restore power in affected neighborhoods, while residents stacked sandbags outside shops and homes as a precaution.

The heavy rains have also raised concerns about potential landslides and river overflows in hilly areas. Forecasters warn that the storm, though weakening, will continue to dump significant amounts of water as it moves inland. Over the next few days, Dolphin is expected to track deeper into central China, reaching the provinces of Hubei and Henan, where flood control teams are already on high alert.

In Henan, which experienced catastrophic flooding in 202…

In Henan, which experienced catastrophic flooding in 2021, local governments have activated emergency response plans and pre-positioned pumps and rescue boats. Authorities are urging residents in low-lying regions to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Meanwhile, farmers are rushing to harvest ripe crops and reinforce greenhouses against potential wind damage.

Although the storm is losing strength, meteorologists caution that the combination of saturated soil and ongoing rainfall could trigger secondary disasters. The national weather center has advised local communities to monitor alerts closely and follow evacuation orders if issued. As Dolphin continues its slow crawl inland, the focus shifts to minimizing risks in densely populated urban centers and rural valleys alike.