China Issues Highest Red Alert as Typhoon Dolphin Hits Eastern Coast
China's National Meteorological Centre (NMC) issued a red alert — the highest level in its typhoon warning system — as Typhoon Dolphin made landfall on the country's eastern coast on Sunday afternoon (August 9, 2026). The storm struck the coastal belt between Sanmen in Zhejiang Province and Fuding in Fujian Province, bringing heavy rains and strong winds to the region.
The red alert was raised because of the typhoon's intense rainfall, extensive impact range, and expected prolonged duration, according to Wang Haiping, chief forecaster at the NMC. China's typhoon warning system has four levels — blue, yellow, orange, and red — with red signifying the most severe threat to life and property. The system enables authorities to activate emergency protocols, including evacuation orders and school closures, to reduce the risk of casualties.
From Sunday to Wednesday (August 9-12), heavy downpours are expected across northern Fujian, Zhejiang, Shanghai, northern Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Anhui, eastern Hubei, central and eastern Henan, and southern Shandong. Some areas in central-eastern Zhejiang and southern Anhui could receive severe torrential rain, with rainfall totals likely to be exceptionally high. Local meteorological bureaus have been instructed to monitor river levels and soil saturation closely.
In addition to rain, coastal areas of East China and the East China Sea are bracing for gale-force winds. From Sunday to Tuesday (August 9-12), most parts of the East China Sea, Hangzhou Bay, the coastal areas of Zhejiang, and the Yangtze River Estuary are expected to experience winds of Force 9 to 12, with gusts of Force 11 to 14. Near the typhoon centre, gusts could reach Force 15 to 16, according to state-run Xinhua news agency. These wind speeds are capable of causing structural damage and disrupting maritime activities.
The NMC has warned that persistent heavy rain could trigger secondary disasters such as mountain torrents, geological landslides, and flash floods in small and medium-sized rivers. The risk is particularly high in Zhejiang, Anhui, Henan, and Hebei. Urban waterlogging is also a concern in some cities, and local authorities have been advised to clear drainage systems and prepare pumps for flood control.
Typhoon Dolphin is expected to move northwestward after landfall and gradually weaken. By Wednesday (August 12), the weakened remnant vortex — a low-pressure system that persists after a tropical cyclone loses its ocean energy source — is forecast to turn northward. Wang Haiping stressed that a landfall does not signal the end of the storm's influence. "After Dolphin makes landfall, it will push further inland," he said, urging continued vigilance.
The forecast indicates that from Thursday to Sunday (August 13-16), the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, northern Shandong, and Liaoning are likely to see heavy rainfall, with some areas expecting severe torrential rain. This could affect transport, agriculture, and daily life in these densely populated areas. Authorities have been asked to remain on alert and coordinate flood prevention measures.
Given the severity and wide-reaching impact of Dolphin, China's meteorological authority upgraded its emergency response for severe meteorological disasters from Level III to Level II on Sunday. This step allows for greater coordination of resources and personnel to support disaster prevention and relief efforts across the affected provinces. Emergency response teams have been put on standby, and drainage and flood-control systems are being checked to mitigate potential damage.
Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to stay indoors, avoid low-lying regions, and follow official guidance. The public has been advised to keep informed through official weather updates and to report any hazards to local emergency services. The response to Typhoon Dolphin highlights the importance of early warning systems and community preparedness in mitigating the impact of extreme weather events.
