China and Taiwan Brace for Powerful Typhoon Bavi as Recovery Continues from Deadly Maysak

China and Taiwan are preparing for what could be one of the most destructive tropical storms in years as Typhoon Bavi approaches the region with sustained winds of nearly 200 km/h, while parts of southern China continue to recover from the devastation caused by Typhoon Maysak.

Taiwanese authorities have warned that up to one metre of rainfall could fall over the mountainous areas north of Taipei, and the Ministry of Defence has placed around 29,000 troops on standby for emergency response operations. Officials say Bavi could become Taiwan’s strongest typhoon since Typhoon Kong-rey in 2024, which claimed three lives.

According to China's National Meteorological Centre, Bavi, which spans nearly 1,000 kilometres in width, is expected to skirt northern Taiwan before making landfall in China's eastern Fujian Province on Saturday evening.

Taiwan's Central Weather Administration said storms of Bavi's size have been rare in recent years, with forecasters describing it as the largest typhoon to threaten the island since 1987.

Meanwhile, Chinese rescue teams are continuing search and recovery operations following Typhoon Maysak, which killed at least 39 people in the Guangxi region earlier this week. Local authorities said nine people remain missing.

Scientists have warned that climate change, combined with the anticipated development of El Niño conditions, could contribute to stronger and more frequent tropical storms across East Asia this year.

Forecasters expect Bavi to weaken slightly as it approaches land but caution that it will remain a dangerous storm capable of bringing destructive winds, torrential rain, flooding, landslides, and storm surges across Taiwan and eastern China through the weekend.

In Taiwan’s northeastern fishing town of Suao, hundreds of fishing vessels have sought shelter in harbour while residents collected sandbags and farmers rushed to harvest crops ahead of the storm.

Neighbouring Japan has also issued warnings for Okinawa Prefecture, where authorities have urged residents to prepare for severe winds, flooding, landslides, and coastal storm surges.

The aftermath of Typhoon Maysak continues to unfold in China, with widespread flooding destroying homes, farmland, and livestock. State media reported significant losses, including the deaths of animals at a zoo in Guangxi and extensive damage to agricultural areas.

Air travel has also been disrupted, with Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways cancelling dozens of domestic and international flights affecting thousands of passengers as Typhoon Bavi approaches.

Meteorologists have warned that even a slight change in Bavi's path could significantly alter its impact, urging residents across the region to remain alert and follow official safety advisories.