One of the most powerful storms of the season has hit eastern China, forcing authorities to evacuate more than a million people and disrupting much of the region's transportation.
Typhoon Dolphin has brought strong winds, heavy rain and flooding, with authorities warning of increased risk in the coming days.
According to Chinese meteorological authorities, the typhoon first made landfall in Yuhuan, Zhejiang province, with winds reaching speeds of 150 km/h. About an hour later, the storm made a second landfall near the city of Wenzhou.
The typhoon has caused significant transport disruptions across the region. In Shanghai alone, around 1,400 flights have been cancelled, while other transport services have been suspended due to hazardous weather conditions.
Chinese authorities had earlier issued a red alert, the highest level of warning for dangerous weather, but on Monday morning they lowered the alert level after the storm began to weaken.
However, the risk remains high.
Heavy rainfall and risk of flooding
Typhoon Dolphin is moving towards China's interior, as meteorologists warn of torrential rains, major flooding and landslides until Wednesday.
Heavy rainfall is forecast in Shandong, Henan, Hubei, Anhui, Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, as well as the city of Shanghai.
In some areas of Zhejiang, rainfall is expected to reach 250 to 500 millimeters over the next few days.
Footage released by Chinese state media showed flooded streets in Shanghai, with some ground-floor businesses submerged. Residents were seen wading through ankle-deep water.
Hundreds of thousands displaced
In Wenzhou, authorities have relocated about 900,000 residents and opened more than 1,000 emergency shelters.
In Taizhou, about 390,000 people have been evacuated from their homes.
In Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province, authorities have waived parking fees in public spaces for drivers seeking shelter due to strong winds and flooding.
Meanwhile, local governments have urged citizens to avoid outdoor activities.
Some of the most popular tourist attractions have been temporarily closed, including parts of Disneyland and Legoland, as well as several panoramic platforms along the Bund area in Shanghai.
A typhoon with an unusually long lifespan
According to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, the storm traveled a distance of about 6,000 kilometers before reaching land.
This suggests a lifespan more than three times that of an average typhoon.
CCTV also reported that "Dolphin" has a massive circulation and high capacity for producing rainfall, factors that could significantly increase the risk of flooding in the coming days.
Chinese authorities remain on alert as the typhoon continues to move inland.
