Dolphin forces 100,000 evacuations in eastern China

Tropical storm Dolphin dumped heavy rain across eastern China on Monday, flooding streets and homes after making landfall as a typhoon on Sunday. Local authorities issued warnings of possible landslides and severe flooding in low-lying and mountainous areas. Thousands of residents were evacuated as rivers swelled and drainage systems struggled to handle the downpour.

The storm comes during China’s peak summer monsoon season, when tropical systems frequently stall over the coast, dumping massive rainfall in short periods. This year, unusually warm ocean temperatures in the western Pacific have fueled stronger and wetter storms. Dolphin intensified rapidly before landfall, reaching typhoon strength with sustained winds over 120 kilometers per hour. Its slow movement after landfall meant prolonged rain, increasing the risk of flash flooding and mudslides, especially in provinces like Zhejiang and Fujian where steep terrain can turn heavy rain deadly.

Emergency teams are using boats and drones to reach cut-off villages and assess damage. At least three deaths have been reported so far, including a fisherman swept away by rising waters. Over 100,000 people were evacuated across several cities, and more than 20 flights were canceled at Ningbo Lishe International Airport. Local media showed images of cars submerged in water and streets turned to rivers, with rescue workers using inflatable rafts to help stranded residents.

Officials are warning that flooding could worsen in the coming days as saturated ground and continued rain raise the risk of landslides. The government has activated emergency response plans, with military and civilian teams on standby. Dolphin is expected to weaken and move inland by Tuesday, but the damage and cleanup will take weeks. The storm highlights how climate change is intensifying extreme weather in Asia, with more frequent and destructive rain events testing China’s flood defenses and disaster response systems.