Typhoon hazards in the Shanghai area

Abstract

There are three major typhoon hazards that apply to the Shanghai area. First, gale-force winds can damage buildings and service facilities. The most severe damage from this occurs only when a typhoon strikes Shanghai directly. Second, both the urban and rural sections of Shanghai are liable to flooding during typhoon seasons. These floods occur when typhoon-induced storm surges coincide with high spring tides and meet with high discharges from the river network as a result of the typhoon downpours. Third, typhoon-induced torrential rain has caused waterlog hazards, particularly in the most densely populated parts of Shanghai. The waterlog hazard has been exacerbated by land subsidence and poor management of pumping systems. In order to prevent disasters happening and reduce the scale of damage, the government has issued construction guidelines and invested in flood defences. Further measures are to be brought in including engineering projects, educational programmes and insurance policies.