Typhoon Bebinca, one of the most powerful storms in recent history, made landfall in Shanghai on Thursday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. With winds reaching speeds of 200 kilometers per hour (124 mph) and torrential rains that led to widespread flooding, Bebinca is being described as the strongest typhoon to hit the city since 1949.
The storm wreaked havoc on China’s most populous city, toppling trees, damaging buildings, and causing major disruptions to daily life. Authorities issued the highest level of typhoon warning, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Public transportation services were suspended, and airports were forced to cancel hundreds of flights, leaving travelers stranded. The Shanghai government also shut down schools and businesses to prioritize safety.
The aftermath of the typhoon saw several districts inundated with water, with some areas reporting up to 300 millimeters (nearly 12 inches) of rainfall in less than 24 hours. Emergency services have been working around the clock to rescue people trapped in flooded homes and cars. The Yangtze River, which runs through Shanghai, swelled to dangerous levels, raising fears of further flooding.
Electricity outages across the city left millions without power, and it may take days before full restoration can occur. In addition to physical damage, Bebinca has had a significant economic impact, with initial estimates suggesting billions of yuan in losses. The port of Shanghai, one of the world’s busiest, halted operations, disrupting global shipping lines and exacerbating supply chain delays.
Despite the devastation, the city’s early warning systems and preparedness have helped minimize casualties. Evacuations in high-risk areas were carried out swiftly, and authorities ensured that temporary shelters were established to accommodate those displaced by the storm. Experts, however, warn that climate change is likely to increase the frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events in the region, calling for long-term strategies to mitigate future risks.
Typhoon Bebinca’s impact on Shanghai is a stark reminder of the growing challenges cities face in an era of intensifying storms. The people of Shanghai will begin the long process of recovery in the days and weeks to come, but the memory of this historic storm is sure to linger for years.
