BEIJING – Southern China remained on high alert Sunday as Typhoon Noul battered Guangdong province, forcing the evacuation of more than 340,000 residents, disrupting rail and bridge services, and causing widespread flight cancellations in Hong Kong as the powerful storm moved inland.
China’s National Meteorological Centre said Noul, the country’s 12th typhoon of the year, made landfall along the coast of Guangdong province after strengthening over the South China Sea. The storm brought destructive winds, torrential rainfall, rough seas, and a heightened risk of flash floods and landslides across Guangdong and neighboring provinces, including Fujian, Jiangxi, and Hunan.
Authorities evacuated more than 340,000 people from vulnerable coastal and low-lying communities as local governments activated emergency response plans. Emergency shelters were opened, while disaster response teams were deployed to areas expected to receive the heaviest rainfall.
Transportation across southern China was severely disrupted. Rail operators suspended numerous high-speed and conventional train services, while the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge halted operations as weather conditions deteriorated. Ferry services in several coastal areas were also suspended.
In Hong Kong, more than 150 flights were canceled or delayed as the typhoon approached. Cathay Pacific suspended many scheduled flights, while the Airport Authority Hong Kong warned that additional disruptions were possible and advised passengers to check with their airlines before traveling to the airport.
The Hong Kong Observatory raised its tropical cyclone warning signal as Noul drew closer, warning of gale-force winds, heavy rain, dangerous storm surges, and rough seas. Residents were urged to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, secure loose outdoor objects, and remain alert for flooding and falling debris.
Meteorologists forecast heavy rainfall across southeastern Guangdong and southern Fujian, with some areas expected to receive 500 to 600 millimeters (19.7 to 23.6 inches) of rain. Officials warned that saturated ground from recent storms could significantly increase the risk of flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding.
Taiwan experienced periods of rain and gusty winds as Noul passed south of the island before entering the South China Sea, although the storm’s most severe impacts were concentrated in southern China.
Noul is the third tropical cyclone to affect China this month, following Typhoons Bavi and Maysak, which also triggered large-scale evacuations, transportation disruptions, and property damage in several provinces. Chinese authorities remain on heightened alert as the country continues its peak flood season, when successive tropical systems often bring prolonged periods of heavy rainfall and increase the threat of flooding across southern and eastern China.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
