Typhoon Bebinca makes landfall in Shanghai

SHANGHAI -- Bebinca, the 13th typhoon of this year, made landfall in Shanghai at about 7:30 am Monday, according to the Shanghai central meteorological observatory.

The typhoon, with the maximum wind force near its center reaching 42 meters per second, churned ashore at the Lingang area of Pudong district.

Bebinca, believed to be the strongest typhoon to hit Shanghai in 75 years, has unleashed gales and torrential rains in the city. Pictures on social media showed trees uprooted and light poles toppled down.

Monday is the second day of the three-day Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. Shanghai authorities have advised residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.

The greater impact of the typhoon might come after it landed, said Tang Jie, vice head of the Shanghai Typhoon Institute of the China Meteorological Administration, adding that the wind and rain will intensify on Monday night.

The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters on Sunday activated the Level IV emergency response for East China's Anhui province and raised the response in Shanghai and Zhejiang to Level III.

Bebinca has led to flight cancellations over Shanghai and the suspension of passenger ferry operations in the city. Shanghai Railway Station also suspended passenger trains on several routes passing through the city from Sunday to Monday.

Shanghai Disneyland, Disneytown and Wishing Star Park remain closed on Monday, with the two resort hotels providing services to in-house guests, the Shanghai Disney Resort said in a statement, adding that normal operations are expected to resume from Tuesday.