Tropical Storm Pulasan threatens Shanghai with floods and landslides

Tropical Storm Pulasan is approaching Shanghai, following the recent impact of Typhoon Bebinca, which was the strongest typhoon to hit the city in 75 years. The storm is expected to make landfall near the financial hub by late Thursday or early Friday, bringing with it maximum sustained winds of approximately 46 miles per hour and heavy rainfall, with forecasts predicting up to two inches of rain per hour in certain areas. This has raised alarms for potential floods and landslides, prompting China’s National Meteorological Observatory to issue a severe weather alert. The storm grazed southern Japan earlier, triggering landslide warnings in Okinawa. As Pulasan moves northwest toward China, it poses a significant threat to the densely populated city of Shanghai, which has a population of around 25 million. The recent typhoon had already caused substantial disruption, including flight cancellations, the closure of major tourist attractions, and damage to infrastructure, leaving at least two fatalities in its wake. Forecasters are closely monitoring Pulasan's trajectory, which may lead it to dissipate in eastern China or continue its path into the East China Sea, potentially affecting South Korea and Japan. The situation remains fluid, and local authorities are preparing for the worst as the storm approaches, emphasizing the need for residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions. In summary, the combination of Pulasan's impending arrival and the recent devastation from Typhoon Bebinca has created a precarious situation for Shanghai, highlighting the city's vulnerability to severe weather events and the importance of preparedness in the face of natural disasters.