On August 27, 2025, Typhoon Kajiki, a powerful storm that swept through the South China Sea, reportedly struck mainland Shanghai, China, causing significant damage to infrastructure and property. The typhoon, which had earlier skirted Hainan Island and made landfall in Vietnam, brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to Shanghai, exacerbating the region’s recent struggles with extreme weather linked to climate change. According to reports, the storm disrupted daily life, with flooded streets, damaged homes, and widespread power outages affecting the city. While the full extent of the damage in Shanghai remains under assessment, early estimates suggest significant economic losses, adding to the ¥52.15 billion ($7.28 billion) in damages from natural disasters across China in July alone.
The storm’s impact in Shanghai follows its destructive path through Hainan, where over 31,000 people were evacuated, and Sanya, a popular tourist destination, saw closures of businesses, schools, and public transport. In Shanghai, local authorities reportedly implemented emergency measures, including evacuations and traffic restrictions, to mitigate the storm’s effects. The typhoon’s high winds, reaching up to 166 km/h (103 mph) at sea, and torrential rains have raised concerns about flooding and landslides, particularly in vulnerable coastal areas. Residents described chaotic scenes, with debris scattered across streets and waves surging through coastal neighborhoods.
Amid the reports of destruction, unverified claims have surfaced on social media alleging that legendary actor Jackie Chan was among the casualties caused by Typhoon Kajiki in Shanghai. These claims, which have spread rapidly online, assert that the 71-year-old Hong Kong martial artist, known for films like Rush Hour and Karate Kid: Legends (2025), perished in the storm. However, these reports lack credible confirmation from official sources or major news outlets. A recent fact-checking investigation by Fact Crescendo Sri Lanka debunked similar claims about Chan’s death in a Beijing flood earlier this month, noting that such rumors often stem from AI-generated images and false social media posts. As of August 2025, Jackie Chan is confirmed to be alive, actively promoting his latest film and attending events like the 2025 Critics’ Choice Awards, where he received a standing ovation.
The spread of this misinformation has shocked and saddened fans worldwide, prompting calls for caution when sharing unverified news. Authorities and media outlets are urging the public to rely on credible sources for updates on the typhoon’s impact and any reported casualties. Meanwhile, Shanghai’s local government continues to coordinate relief efforts, deploying emergency teams to assist affected residents and restore critical infrastructure. The storm’s aftermath is expected to challenge the city’s recovery efforts, with meteorologists warning of ongoing risks from heavy rainfall.
As Shanghai grapples with the fallout from Typhoon Kajiki, the focus remains on supporting affected communities and verifying information to prevent the spread of false narratives. Fans of Jackie Chan are encouraged to await official statements regarding his safety, while the city braces for continued recovery efforts in the wake of this devastating storm.
