Super Typhoon "Bavi" Reaches Taiwan – Largest Storm in More Than 30 Years

Affected Areas and Warnings

Samuel Fu, who works in a noodle kitchen in the coastal district of Bali near the capital Taipei, described the mood on the ground. "Wir sind besorgt", said Fu. Another resident added: "Das ist das erste Mal, dass wir einen so heftigen Taifun erleben, seit wir den Laden eröffnet haben." The statements illustrate the tension among the population, who are preparing for an exceptionally severe storm.

The authorities ordered evacuations as a precaution. Hundreds of people were brought to safety, and many schools and offices remained closed. Public transportation was partially suspended, and people stocked up on food, drinking water, and batteries. Emergency teams were put on alert.

Evacuations and Flight Cancellations

By Friday morning, more than 400 flights had been canceled and more than 100 ferry services had been scrapped. Taoyuan International Airport near Taipei largely suspended operations for a time. Ferry traffic to the outlying islands was also interrupted, as the sea already showed high waves and heavy swell.

On the Chinese side, authorities also prepared for the storm. The provinces of Fujian and Zhejiang on China's eastern coast, which lie in the forecasted path of "Bavi," were placed on heightened alert. Fishing boats were ordered to return to safe harbors, and protective measures against storm surges were prepared along the coast.

Preparations in China

The storm had previously been classified as a super typhoon of the highest category, but according to meteorologists, it has weakened slightly. It nevertheless remains dangerous and could make landfall in China after crossing Taiwan. Chinese weather services expect "Bavi" to reach the eastern Chinese coast with heavy rainfall and strong winds.

The insurance industry is already anticipating initial claims from agriculture and fisheries, which are among the particularly affected sectors. Damage to infrastructure, including power lines and ports, is also considered likely. The exact impacts will only be fully assessable after the storm has passed.

Taiwan is regularly hit by typhoons, but a storm of this strength is rare. Residents and emergency services hope that the preparations made can limit the damage. A further worsening of the situation is expected by Saturday, before "Bavi" is forecast to weaken and move on toward China.