Typhoon Dolphin threat: Shanghai cancels 1,300 flights, thousands evacuated

Shanghai's two airports cancelled more than 1,300 flights and authorities relocated some 300,000 people in surrounding regions as China prepared for Typhoon Dolphin, after the storm brought heavy rains to northern Taiwan.

Typhoon Dolphin hits Taiwan

The outer bands of the storm on Saturday hit northern Taiwan, including the capital Taipei, bringing rain. Some Taiwanese airlines also cancelled their flights to China Sunday.

The storm's maximum sustained winds were estimated at about 162 kilometre per hour as of Sunday morning. It is bringing heavy rains, creating a risk of severe flooding as well as landslides and is expected to hit Zhejiang province and northern parts of neighbouring Fujian province late Sunday.

Shanghai airports cancel flights

Forecasters in China predicted that areas could see 200-400 mm (7.9–15.7 inches) of rainfall over the next few days. Authorities are warning of severe landslide risks in Zhejiang.

Shanghai's Hongqiao and Pudong airports respectively also cancelled about 60 per cent of Sunday's expected flights, according to the Paper, Shanghai's state media.

Hundreds of thousands evacuated

On Saturday evening, authorities in Zhejiang evacuated some 3,90,000 people in the city of Taizhou. Authorities in Shanghai evacuated some 30,000 plus from riskier areas.

Zhejiang authorities also suspended all water-based activities, including ferries and cruises.