BEIJING – China declared its highest-level flash flood Red Alert after Typhoon Noul slammed into Guangdong province early Sunday morning, bringing destructive winds and torrential rain.
Over 700,000 residents were rapidly evacuated to safety as the powerful storm moved inland, threatening several southern provinces with extreme weather. Authorities continue to warn of severe flooding and landslides because heavy downpours are expected to persist for days.
Typhoon Noul made a fierce landfall on the coast of Huidong County in Guangdong province at around 3:50 a.m. on Sunday. As the strongest typhoon of the year hit southern China, it brought gale-force winds and relentless, heavy rainfall.
In response to the growing danger, the Chinese government quickly issued a red alert for flash flooding. This is the highest level in the country’s four-tier weather warning system, signaling a severe threat to life and property.
Key Takeaways:
- Over 700,000 people in Guangdong province were evacuated as Typhoon Noul made landfall early Sunday.
- China issued its highest-level red alert for flash floods across several southern and central provinces.
- Extreme rainfall and strong winds are expected to cause further transport chaos and flooding through Tuesday.
The sheer force of Typhoon Noul forced local authorities to take massive preventive measures. As a direct result of the storm, more than 700,000 people in Guangdong were relocated to temporary shelters.
Emergency rescue teams, including helicopters and tugboats, were quickly deployed across the region to assist. The storm caused major transport disruptions, grounding hundreds of flights at nearby airports and halting train services.
The storm brought maximum sustained winds of up to 48 meters per second as it approached the coast. This immense power easily snapped tree branches and caused minor structural damage in several coastal towns.
In neighboring Hong Kong, the storm also created significant travel chaos and widespread confusion among travelers. Officials there suspended rail services and canceled over 410 flights as gale-force winds battered the financial hub.
Operations at the Hong Kong International Airport were mostly suspended for more than 12 agonizing hours. As the storm passed, authorities eventually downgraded the local typhoon warning signal from No. 8 to No. 3.
Marine traffic was also completely halted to ensure the safety of coastal residents and harbor workers. Maritime authorities directed more than 5,000 commercial vessels to return to safe waters before the storm hit.
Flash Flood Warnings Across Southern China
Although the typhoon began to weaken as it moved inland, the danger is far from over. The National Meteorological Centre forecast that exceptional downpours will continue to drench the region for days.
A joint red warning for flash floods was issued by the Ministry of Water Resources and the China Meteorological Administration. They warned that mountain areas, river valleys, and construction sites are at the highest risk for sudden floods.
Flash floods are expected to strike parts of Jiangxi, Hunan, Sichuan, and other nearby provinces very soon. Authorities have strongly urged residents to stay alert for evacuation orders and real-time flood warnings.
Local governments are keeping a close watch on drainage systems, unstable slopes, and major rivers. Communities remain on high alert as they prepare for possible isolation and further transport delays.
Deadly Consequences and Government Response
Typhoon Noul is the 12th tropical cyclone of the year and the third to hit China this month. The name Noul actually translates to “the glow of sunrise or sunset” in the Korean language.
Sadly, the storm’s heavy rains have already caused deadly flash floods further inland from the coast. Reports indicate that 10 people have tragically lost their lives in Gansu province due to the severe weather.
The Chinese central government has quickly stepped in to aid the recovery process across the nation. They have allocated 100 million yuan to help rebuild damaged roads, schools, and vital water facilities.
A special working group was dispatched by the Ministry of Emergency Management to coordinate disaster prevention. These teams are actively assisting with ongoing evacuations and assessing the total damage left behind.
Preparing for Continued Extreme Weather
Heavy rain is forecast to persist across southern China until at least Tuesday afternoon. Some areas, especially in Fujian province, are bracing for exceptionally heavy and persistent downpours.
Disaster relief efforts will continue as officials work to ensure the safety of all displaced residents. The main priority remains focused on providing essential supplies and safe shelter for those severely impacted.
These massive precautions come as parts of China are still recovering from severe weather earlier this month. Previous storms left dozens of people dead and hundreds injured, prompting a faster response this time.
As climate patterns shift, extreme weather events like Typhoon Noul are becoming increasingly common and dangerous. Residents must continue to follow safety guidelines and remain prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions.
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