China strengthens coordinated disaster response as Typhoon Dolphin enters 48-hour warning zone

China's meteorological, marine, water resources and agricultural authorities have stepped up coordinated emergency response measures after Typhoon Dolphin entered the country's 48-hour warning zone on Wednesday night.

Authorities are leveraging advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twin systems, to conduct early simulations, improve forecasting accuracy and strengthen disaster prevention efforts against the approaching typhoon.

According to the National Marine Environmental Forecasting Center (NMEFC), the typhoon is moving steadily westward with a wind field extending approximately 500 to 600 kilometers from its center. Its outer rain-bands have already begun affecting the East China Sea, and residents in both coastal and inland regions are advised to closely monitor its development.

Forecasts indicate that coastal waters of the East China Sea may experience significant wave heights of 4 to 7 meters around August 9, with individual wave crests expected to be substantially higher.

"The typhoon has an extensive wind field and is expected to slow down after entering China's coastal waters," said Huang Huanqing, chief forecaster with the NMEFC. "Its impact may not be readily apparent from the shoreline, making the dangerous sea conditions difficult to perceive. The public should avoid approaching the coast to watch waves and should not underestimate the risks."

The typhoon is also expected to bring prolonged torrential rainfall after making landfall. Saturated soil in many parts of eastern Zhejiang Province could significantly increase the risks of flash floods, water-logging and geological disasters.

The Ministry of Water Resources is using digital twin technology and AI-powered flood modeling to simulate flood evolution and develop targeted contingency plans in advance. Once potential hazards are detected, an intelligent early warning system will automatically notify responsible officials to ensure a timely emergency response.

According to Wang Lin, chief hydrological forecaster with the ministry, provinces including Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Hubei, Anhui, Jiangsu, Henan and Shandong are expected to experience heavy to torrential rainfall, with isolated areas likely to see extremely heavy downpours.

"The public is advised to reduce unnecessary travel and pay close attention to flood forecasts and flash flood warnings issued by water authorities," Wang said.

The typhoon is also expected to pose significant challenges to agricultural production. Along China's coast, aquaculture facilities, including offshore fish cages, face the threat of strong waves. In eastern China, late-season rice, fruits and vegetables are vulnerable to lodging caused by strong winds and farmland inundation. Should the typhoon track further north, major autumn grain-producing regions in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain and northeastern China could also be affected by heavy rainfall.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has urged farmers to clear drainage channels, improve field drainage, harvest mature crops as early as possible, and reinforce greenhouses, orchards and other agricultural facilities against strong winds. Livestock producers have also been advised to strengthen animal shelters, improve drainage systems and prepare for post-disaster disease prevention and control.

Meanwhile, fishing vessels operating in affected waters have been instructed to return to port as soon as possible, while fishermen are urged to evacuate ashore to ensure their safety.

Authorities said every effort will be made to minimize losses and safeguard lives and property as Typhoon Dolphin approaches.