Stock trading halted, schools closed and more: How Taiwan is bracing for Typhoon Bavi before it smashes into China

Typhoon Bavi: Stock Trading Halted, Schools Closed in Taiwan as It Approaches China

Stock trading halted schools closed and more - Typhoon Bavi is poised to cause widespread disruption in Taiwan and China, with stock trading halted, schools closed, and emergency measures enacted across the region. The powerful storm, expected to make landfall in eastern China, has already triggered preparations in Taiwan, where officials have prioritized public safety by closing educational institutions and suspending non-essential operations. As Bavi intensifies, its impact extends beyond the immediate threat, raising concerns about prolonged weather challenges and regional resilience.

Forecasters warn that Bavi will bring heavy rainfall to northern and eastern Taiwan, as well as Japan’s southern islands, before striking China’s coast. The Taiwan Stock Exchange paused trading on Friday, citing the potential for severe weather. According to the US Joint Typhoon Warning Center, Bavi is currently 713 kilometers (443 miles) south of Okinawa, Japan, moving northwestward toward China. With sustained winds of 157 kilometers per hour, the storm matches a Category 2 hurricane in strength, signaling its formidable power.

Taiwan’s Preparations and Regional Impact

Taiwan’s authorities have taken proactive steps to mitigate risks from Typhoon Bavi, even as the storm’s path suggests it may bypass the island’s coastline. Despite this, the northern regions will still face intense downpours, which could lead to severe flooding. Taipei Taoyuan International Airport reported flight cancellations by carriers like Eva Air Corp., China Airlines Ltd., and Starlux Airlines Co., disrupting travel plans. The wide wind field of the typhoon ensures that even minor course adjustments could amplify wind effects, particularly in urban areas.

"While the storm’s core may not directly hit Taipei, its broad reach means northern Taiwan will still experience harsh conditions," said James Caron, meteorological operations director at Atmospheric G2. "Evacuations and school closures are precautionary measures to protect communities from the storm’s widespread impact."

Caron emphasized that the typhoon’s moisture plume could deliver significant inland rainfall, even after the strongest winds subside. This raises concerns about flooding in regions not immediately in the storm’s path, highlighting the need for preparedness across multiple fronts. The cumulative effect of Bavi’s arrival could strain infrastructure and emergency response systems already under pressure from previous weather events.

China’s Response to Typhoon Bavi

As Typhoon Bavi approaches China, the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) has issued urgent warnings about its potential to unleash winds up to 173 kilometers per hour and heavy rains across vast areas. The storm, combined with the southwest monsoon, is expected to exacerbate flooding risks in regions still recovering from recent extreme weather. Officials have prioritized evacuations in vulnerable zones, particularly in Zhejiang province, where up to 600 millimeters (23.6 inches) of rainfall is forecast by Sunday.

Zhejiang province faces a critical situation, with over 17,000 residents evacuated and approximately 170,000 emergency responders on standby, as reported by Xinhua News Agency. In Fujian, ferry services have been halted, and fishing boats are being directed back to harbors due to strong winds and rough seas. These measures underscore the severity of Bavi’s expected impact, with local governments working to minimize damage and ensure community safety.

Broader Weather Crisis in China

China has been grappling with a series of extreme weather events this week, compounding the challenges posed by Typhoon Bavi. In central regions, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes claimed 11 lives in Hubei province on Monday night. Separately, a landslide in western Gansu province killed 21 forestry workers on Tuesday, marking another tragic incident linked to recent climatic conditions. These disasters highlight the ongoing strain on emergency services and the need for coordinated responses to natural threats.

Earlier in the week, Tropical Storm Maysak caused floods that led to 39 fatalities in Guangxi, with record-breaking rainfall overwhelming reservoirs. In Hengzhou, a partial dam collapse occurred, trapping residents in upper floors for days until rescue teams intervened. Now, as Bavi moves in, the country faces a dual threat of typhoon-induced flooding and the lingering effects of previous storms, prompting officials to call for heightened vigilance and resource allocation.

Typhoon Bavi’s Path and Global Implications

Experts track Typhoon Bavi’s trajectory closely, noting its potential to intensify as it approaches the China coast. The storm’s northwestward movement has been consistent, but its exact landfall point remains under scrutiny. Meteorologists warn that even if Bavi weakens slightly before hitting land, its rainfall and wind patterns could still cause significant disruptions. The combination of typhoon activity and monsoon systems underscores the complex meteorological challenges faced by East Asia this season.

Typhoon Bavi’s arrival also highlights the broader implications of climate change on weather patterns. Scientists suggest that warmer ocean temperatures may contribute to more frequent and intense typhoons, increasing the risk of severe flooding and storm-related damage. As the region braces for impact, the focus on stock trading halted, schools closed, and emergency preparedness reflects a growing awareness of the need for resilience against escalating climate threats.