Shanghai's Precautionary Evacuations Amid Tropical Cyclone Co-May's Arrival
Shanghai evacuated over 280,000 people as Tropical Cyclone Co-May approached, expecting heavy rain despite weaker winds. The cyclone first hit Zhoushan, prompting cancellations of flights and train services. Shanghai rarely experiences direct cyclone hits, with the last major one, Bebinca, occurring last year.
In a bid to avert potential disaster, Shanghai has evacuated more than 280,000 residents since Tuesday night, state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Wednesday. The mass movement of people follows forecasts of torrential rains triggered by the impending arrival of Tropical Cyclone Co-May in eastern China.
Co-May first made landfall as a tropical storm in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, early Wednesday, bringing winds of up to 23 meters per second (83 kph), according to Chinese state media. While less powerful than typhoons, officials in Shanghai and other urban centers have exercised caution, canceling flights and trains, suspending schools, and relocating residents from high-risk areas.
Despite its proximity to the coast, Shanghai rarely faces direct impacts from significant typhoons that typically strike further south. The city last weathered a major cyclone with Bebinca last year, marking the strongest tropical storm to hit since 1949.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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