Typhoon Bebinca, the strongest storm to hit Shanghai since 1949, made landfall on September 15, 2024, unleashing impactful weather conditions across the region. The typhoon's winds whipped up to 130 km/h, prompting widespread flight cancellations – with hundreds grounded at Shanghai's airports due to safety concerns. Train services were also suspended, affecting travel for many commuters during the busy Mid-Autumn Festival period. Residents were warned of potential flooding and heavy rainfall as the typhoon approached city and coastal areas, leading authorities to implement precautionary measures.
In the region, hurricane-related disruptions extended beyond Shanghai. Flights from various cities in China were affected, with the impact being felt as far as Singapore, where several flights bound for China were canceled due to the storm's anticipated reach. The emergency response agencies were on high alert to address challenges posed by the storm, which was expected to bring relentless rains and flooding in its wake.
Simultaneously, Southeast Asia faced pressing challenges from another storm—Typhoon Yagi—particularly in Myanmar and Vietnam. In Myanmar, Yagi caused significant flooding, leading to a tragic increase in the death toll to 74, with many more reported missing. Volunteers and rescue teams mobilized to assist the affected areas amidst the heavy rainfall brought by the typhoon. In Vietnam, the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi left 254 dead, exacerbating the ongoing crisis in the region that had already seen considerable devastation from recent weather events.
These dual storms underscore the vulnerability of regions in East Asia to severe weather and the need for preparedness to mitigate the impacts of such natural disasters. The events emphasize continuing efforts to bolster emergency responses and support systems for affected communities.