What is the location of the flooding?
As of August 9, 2026, Typhoon Dolphin, the strongest tropical cyclone to hit China this year, made landfall in eastern China, triggering widespread flood watches and warnings across multiple provinces (1).
Heavy rainfall is expected across central and northern regions through Wednesday, with risks of mountain torrents, flash floods, landslides, and urban waterlogging.
Wind map of eastern China, as of August 10, 2026. Source: IQAir.
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
Flood watches and warnings have been issued for multiple cities and regions across eastern and central China (2):
- Eastern Regions: Fujian Province, Jiangsu Province, Shanghai, Zhejiang Province (Hangzhou, Taizhou, Wenzhou, Yuhuan)
- Central Regions: Anhui Province, Hubei Province (eastern), Hunan Province (eastern), Jiangxi Province
- Other Provinces at Risk: Chongqing, Guizhou, Hainan, Henan, Sichuan, Yunnan
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
Flooding remains ongoing, with 250–500 mm of rainfall forecast in parts of Zhejiang. Emergency response has been raised to Level II, while ferry services have been suspended, vessels recalled to port, and more than 1,000 emergency shelters opened (3).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
China has issued its highest-level red typhoon alert, with more than 1 million people evacuated from affected areas. Schools, tourist attractions, and some transport services have also been suspended.
Authorities advise residents to follow evacuation orders, avoid unnecessary travel, and move to designated shelters when instructed (4).
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
