Numerous Residents Evacuate as Typhoon Doksuri Drenches Beijing and Another Storm Looms Over China
In a dramatic turn of events, China is grappling with two major typhoons. Typhoon Doksuri, one of the most potent storms in recent years, has already caused significant damage, and another hurricane-level storm, Typhoon Khanun, is fast approaching.
The Wrath of Doksuri
Typhoon Doksuri made landfall in the southeastern coastal province of Fujian last week, bringing torrential rain to at least five northern Chinese provinces. Although it weakened as it moved north, the storm’s impact was significant. Over 31,000 people were evacuated from Beijing alone, and an additional half a million were displaced in Fujian due to flooding. The storm claimed two lives and left two others missing in northeastern Liaoning province.
Record-Breaking Rainfall
The rainfall in Beijing is expected to break records, with nearly 40 inches projected to drench the southwestern parts of the capital and neighboring Hebei province. The heavy downpours, expected to continue through Tuesday, have raised concerns about dangerous flooding and landslides. Nine districts of Beijing were under a red rainstorm alert, the highest in the country’s warning mechanism.
The Impact of Doksuri
Doksuri is the most powerful typhoon to make landfall in China and the strongest storm to hit Fujian since Typhoon Saomi in 2006. The storm has caused nearly $60 million in direct economic losses, damaging over 6,333 hectares of farmland in Fujian, with over 151 hectares suffering complete crop failure.
The Looming Threat of Khanun
As Doksuri tapers off, authorities are preparing for the incoming Typhoon Khanun, the sixth typhoon projected to hit China this year. Khanun is gathering strength in the Pacific Ocean and has been upgraded to a Category 3-equivalent typhoon. It’s forecast to draw close to Japan’s southern Okinawa islands over the next two days and begin a slow crawl through the East China Sea.
In a nutshell, as China reels from the impact of Typhoon Doksuri and braces for Typhoon Khanun, the country is a stark reminder of the devastating effects of extreme weather. With thousands displaced and significant economic losses, the nation faces a challenging recovery and preparation period. The world watches as China navigates this severe weather, underscoring the urgent need for global climate action.
