Taiwan Braces for Powerful Typhoon After Deadly China Floods

Taiwan and eastern China are preparing for Typhoon Bavi, a powerful storm forecasters say could be one of the strongest to hit the region in decades, as southern China continues recovering from deadly floods left behind by Tropical Storm Maysak.

Chinese authorities say at least 39 people were killed in Guangxi, including 26 who died after a dam burst near the city of Nanning. Nine others remain missing, while more than 130,000 people have been evacuated following days of record rainfall and severe flooding.

Now, attention has turned to Bavi, which is expected to pass just north of Taiwan before making landfall in China’s Fujian Province on Saturday. The storm is packing winds of nearly 200 kilometers per hour and spans about 1,000 kilometers, making it one of the largest typhoons to threaten Taiwan since 1987.

Taiwan has placed nearly 29,000 troops on standby, urged residents to stock up on emergency supplies, and warned that some mountain areas could receive up to one metre of rain. Hundreds of fishing boats have already taken shelter in ports, while Taiwanese airlines have canceled all Saturday departures from the country’s main international airport.

Meteorologists warn that although Bavi may weaken slightly, it is expected to remain a dangerous storm capable of bringing destructive winds, flooding and landslides across Taiwan and eastern China through the weekend.

The threat comes as communities in southern China are still cleaning up from Maysak, which submerged towns, destroyed farms and left thousands displaced. Scientists say warmer ocean temperatures and the expected arrival of El Niño could contribute to stronger and more frequent storms across the region.

Prime Minister John Briceño posted on X, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Taiwan as they prepare for the approaching typhoon. Wishing everyone strength, safety, and a swift recovery from any impacts.”