What damage has been done to the livestock industry in China by Super Typhoon Bebinca? What measures has the Chinese government taken to remedy the consequences?
Have a great day. How did Super Typhoon Bebinca damage China's livestock industry? What measures has the Chinese government taken to deal with the consequences? Let's find out with Trending Farm in the latest documentary on the channel today.
In recent years, China has faced an alarming increase in the frequency and severity of typhoons, a trend attributed to climate change and rising sea temperatures. For instance, the China Meteorological Administration reported that in 2022, the country experienced 15 tropical cyclones, with seven making landfall, compared to an average of just 10 cyclones per year over the last two decades. Typhoon Chanthu in 2021, for example, brought record breaking rainfall and winds exceeding 150 km/h, causing extensive flooding in cities like Shanghai and leading to over $1 billion in damages. Furthermore, Super Typhoon Mangkhut, which struck in 2018, was one of the most powerful storms recorded in the region, affecting millions and resulting in substantial agricultural losses, particularly in Guangdong Province. As climate models predict an increase in the intensity of such storms, the risk to coastal communities and the agricultural sector is expected to escalate, underscoring the urgent need for robust disaster preparedness and response strategies.
Typhoon Bebinca made landfall in Shanghai on September 16, bringing maximum winds of 151 km/h—the strongest storm to hit the city since Typhoon Gloria in 1949. Video footage showed the chaos as strong winds left pedestrians struggling to maintain their balance, uprooted trees, shattered high rise windows, and ripped roofs from buildings, causing significant disruption in the city of nearly 25 million people. In preparation, the Chinese government activated a Level IV emergency response for Anhui Province and raised it to Level III for Shanghai and Zhejiang on September 15, deploying over 3,000 rescuers and nearly 1,000 sets of rescue equipment. By noon on September 16, initial reports indicated one injury, over nine uprooted trees, 10,000 power outages, numerous damaged buildings, and extensive flooding in agricultural areas. Hundreds of flights were canceled, train services were suspended, and thousands of residents were evacuated to temporary shelters, highlighting the government's swift response amid the ongoing Mid Autumn Festival.
The economic fallout from Typhoon Bebinca's landfall in Shanghai in mid September was substantial, despite existing prevention and recovery plans. According to the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Economy and Informatization, preliminary assessments estimated that the storm caused direct economic losses exceeding 2 billion yuan (approximately $280 million). The agricultural sector suffered particularly severe impacts, with reports indicating over 20,000 hectares of crops were damaged or destroyed, leading to anticipated reductions in local food supply and increased prices. Additionally, the typhoon disrupted supply chains, resulting in a backlog of goods at ports and significant delays in logistics operations. The local tourism sector, already affected by ongoing pandemic restrictions, faced further declines as hundreds of flights were canceled and events were postponed, exacerbating the economic strain on the region. These factors highlight the broader challenges posed by natural disasters in urban areas, especially in the context of China's rapid economic development
The livestock industry in Shanghai and surrounding areas suffered significant losses due to Typhoon Bebinca, with estimated financial losses running into the millions of dollars. According to the Shanghai Agricultural Commission, initial assessments indicate that more than 50,000 livestock units, including pigs, chickens, and cattle, were damaged or severely injured by the storm. The economic impact is estimated to be around 150 million yuan (about $21 million) for livestock farmers alone. Many farms reported that their barns were flooded and their feed supplies were destroyed, leading to increased mortality among vulnerable animals. In addition, disruptions in the supply chain have left farmers struggling to access necessary veterinary care and feed, further exacerbating the damage. These figures illustrate the devastating damage that extreme weather events can cause to local agriculture, threatening both food security and the livelihoods of farmers in the region.
The aftermath of Typhoon Bebinca poses significant challenges for infrastructure reconstruction and farm restructuring in Shanghai. Damage to roads, utilities, and transportation networks complicates recovery efforts, as local governments must balance immediate housing needs with long term recovery plans. Farmers face the dual challenge of restoring lost assets while adapting to changing environmental conditions, often requiring investment in recovery activities. Flooding and post typhoons impacts compound disease outbreaks on farms, while livestock are weakened by nutritional deficiencies. Financial constraints can hinder rapid action, especially for small scale farmers. Overall, the impacts of typhoons and extreme weather events are extremely stressful and difficult for Chinese farmers. Does your area regularly face adverse weather conditions? What methods have you applied to improve the results? Share with Trending Farm in the comments section.