More than 340,000 people have been evacuated across southern China as Typhoon Noul approaches the country’s coastline, prompting widespread emergency measures, transport disruptions, and flight cancellations. Authorities have suspended work, rail services, and several public activities as the powerful storm is expected to make landfall in Guangdong province early Sunday.
According to China’s National Meteorological Center, Typhoon Noul is forecast to strike the coast between Shenzhen and Haifeng with maximum sustained winds ranging from 151 to 173 kilometres per hour. The weather agency has issued its highest-level red typhoon alert, warning residents of dangerous conditions and intense rainfall.
Heavy rain is expected to affect Guangdong as well as neighbouring provinces, including Hunan, Fujian, and Jiangxi, from Saturday night through Sunday. Officials have warned that the combination of strong winds and torrential rain could trigger flooding, landslides, and other weather-related emergencies.
Authorities in Guangdong have already evacuated more than 340,000 residents from vulnerable areas. Several major cities, including Guangzhou, Dongguan, and Shantou, have suspended schools, workplaces, business operations, and public transportation either fully or partially to ensure public safety.
Rail services across Guangdong will remain suspended throughout Sunday, while airports have also reported significant disruptions. In Hong Kong, the Observatory issued the city’s third-highest typhoon warning and indicated it may raise the alert further if weather conditions worsen. The city has opened 28 temporary shelters to accommodate residents affected by the storm.
Hong Kong International Airport has reported dozens of flight cancellations and delays, with authorities warning that many more flights are likely to be affected. Cathay Pacific has cancelled all scheduled arrivals and departures during the peak hours of the storm, while Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport has also announced adjustments to flight schedules depending on weather conditions.
Meteorologists say Typhoon Noul poses a particularly high risk due to its potential to move far inland, prolonged rainfall, and ability to travel through mountainous terrain. Chinese authorities have upgraded emergency responses for flood and typhoon control in Guangdong, while flood emergency measures have also been activated in Jiangxi and Hunan provinces.
The latest storm comes after recent extreme weather caused widespread destruction across southern and central China, highlighting the growing impact of severe weather events in the region. Authorities continue to urge residents to remain indoors, follow official advisories, and avoid unnecessary travel until the typhoon passes.
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