As the mightiest typhoon since 1949, Typhoon Bebinca unleashed its fury on Shanghai and its surrounding areas early Monday, forcing tens of millions to seek shelter. The typhoon, characterized by wind speeds reaching up to 151 kilometers per hour (94 miles per hour), made its devastating entrance in Shanghai’s eastern coastal sectors.
According to state broadcaster CCTV, this tempest matched the intensity of Typhoon Gloria from 1949 when it struck. With the Mid-Autumn Festival causing many businesses to close, the city’s authorities urged Shanghai’s vast population of 25 million to stay indoors to avoid the havoc wreaked by Bebinca.
Impact on the City
The Shanghai flood control headquarters was quickly inundated with reports of damage, predominantly fallen trees, and dislodged billboards, CCTV reported. The disruption was widespread, with one uprooted tree blocking a major road in the central district, an occurrence witnessed by an AFP reporter.
Residents’ Experience
Residents like Xiong Zhuowu, a doctor from the northern Baoshan district, expressed their anxiety and precautionary measures. “I feel quite nervous today, I’m constantly checking what the situation is out the window,” Xiong relayed to AFP. He also noted the proactive steps taken by property management to mitigate damage, such as relocating vehicles to safer areas.
In some parts of Shanghai, despite the severe weather, daily life attempted to continue. Wu Yun, a local resident, explained her decision to face the storm due to work obligations, comparing the intensity to typhoons she had experienced in southern China.
@factsprime35 (Facts Prime)
Twitter Sep 16, 2024 https://x.com/factsprime35/status/1835619049402687901
