Southern China is grappling with widespread devastation after Typhoon Noul swept across the country’s southern coastline, killing at least 10 people, forcing the evacuation of more than 715,000 residents, and disrupting air, rail and road transport. The powerful storm unleashed torrential rain, strong winds and flash floods, leaving thousands displaced and emergency teams racing to rescue stranded residents.
Typhoon Noul made landfall on Sunday in Huidong County in Guangdong province with maximum sustained winds of around 110 kmph. Although the storm weakened after moving inland, weather authorities warned that heavy rain and flooding would continue in several provinces, raising the risk of landslides and river overflows.
Authorities launched a massive evacuation drive ahead of the storm’s arrival, relocating over 715,000 people from vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas. Fishing boats were ordered back to ports, schools were shut, construction work was suspended and emergency shelters were opened to protect residents from the approaching cyclone.
Despite the large-scale precautionary measures, the storm claimed at least 10 lives, with several others injured in rain-related incidents. Most of the fatalities were linked to flash floods and collapsing structures triggered by intense rainfall. Rescue teams continued searching affected areas while local governments assessed the scale of damage.
For many families, the storm brought hours of fear and uncertainty. Residents rushed to evacuation centres carrying only basic belongings as floodwaters quickly submerged roads and neighbourhoods. Emergency workers helped elderly residents, children and vulnerable families move to safer locations before conditions worsened.
Transport services across southern China were severely affected. More than 700 flights were cancelled as airports suspended operations because of dangerous weather conditions. High-speed rail services, ferries and public transport networks also faced widespread disruption, leaving thousands of travellers stranded.
Hong Kong also felt the impact as strong winds and heavy rain lashed the city before the typhoon moved into mainland China. Authorities reported fallen trees, damaged scaffolding and localised flooding in several districts. Emergency crews worked throughout the day to clear blocked roads and restore normal movement.
China’s National Meteorological Center had issued its highest-level weather warning before landfall, alerting residents to the possibility of life-threatening flooding, storm surges and landslides. Disaster management agencies activated emergency response plans and deployed rescue personnel, heavy machinery and relief supplies across the worst-hit regions.
The danger has not ended with the storm’s landfall. Weather officials warned that the remnants of Typhoon Noul could continue to dump heavy rain across Guangdong, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Sichuan and Gansu, increasing the likelihood of flash floods and mudslides in mountainous areas.
Emergency authorities have urged people living near rivers, reservoirs and steep hillsides to remain alert. Continuous rainfall has already saturated the ground, making slopes unstable and raising concerns about secondary disasters even after the typhoon weakens.
Typhoon Noul is the third typhoon to strike China this month and the strongest so far this season. A series of storms has already brought above-average rainfall to several provinces, placing enormous pressure on flood-control infrastructure and emergency response systems.
The storm also affected neighbouring regions before reaching mainland China. It brought heavy rain to parts of Taiwan and passed close to the Philippines, where it triggered flooding and caused casualties. Its path across East Asia highlighted the broad impact tropical cyclones can have during the annual typhoon season.
Meteorologists say warmer ocean temperatures are contributing to more intense storms and heavier rainfall across the region. Combined with rapid urbanisation and expanding coastal populations, these weather events are increasing the risks to lives, infrastructure and local economies.
In Guangdong, floodwaters inundated homes, damaged roads and disrupted electricity supplies in several communities. Local authorities have begun clearing debris, restoring power and inspecting damaged buildings, though many residents are unable to return home until floodwaters recede.
Farmers are also assessing losses as strong winds and prolonged rainfall damaged crops and agricultural land. Officials expect the economic impact to become clearer once water levels fall and damage assessments are completed.
Relief efforts are now focused on providing temporary shelter, food, drinking water and medical assistance to displaced families. Rescue workers continue to monitor rivers and reservoirs while engineering teams inspect bridges, highways and public utilities for structural damage.
The Chinese government has instructed provincial authorities to remain on high alert as heavy rain is expected to continue over the coming days. Residents have been advised to avoid flooded roads, stay away from swollen rivers and follow evacuation orders where necessary.
For millions across southern China, Typhoon Noul has been more than a powerful weather event. It has interrupted daily life, damaged homes and livelihoods, and left families facing an uncertain recovery. Even as the storm weakens, its aftermath will continue to test emergency services and affected communities in the days ahead.
