Hundreds of flights cancelled as Typhoon Bebinca makes landfall in Shanghai

Typhoon Bebinca made landfall in Shanghai on Monday morning as a Category 1 storm, becoming the most powerful tropical cyclone to hit the city in more than 70 years. With wind speeds reaching 151 kph (94 mph) near its eye, Bebinca struck the Chinese financial hub at around 7:30 am local time, according to state media. It is the strongest storm to directly affect Shanghai since Typhoon Gloria in 1949.

Shanghai, home to nearly 25 million people, rarely experiences direct hits from strong typhoons, which typically make landfall further south in China. The city's residents are facing significant disruptions as hundreds of flights were cancelled at both of Shanghai’s major airports on Sunday night. Additionally, railway services at the Shanghai railway station have been suspended, causing travel delays during the country’s mid-Autumn Festival public holiday.

Shanghai's popular tourist destinations have also been impacted, with resorts like Shanghai Disney Resort, Jinjiang Amusement Park, and Shanghai Wild Animal Park temporarily closing due to the storm. Many ferry services have been halted as well, adding to the city's transportation challenges.

The typhoon follows closely on the heels of Typhoon Yagi, a Category 4 storm, which recently ravaged the southern Hainan province. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as Typhoon Bebinca continues to move inland, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds.