More than 20,000 residents have been evacuated from southern China as authorities race to prepare for the arrival of Typhoon Noul, which is expected to bring torrential rain and powerful winds to several coastal areas over the weekend.
China’s National Meteorological Center said the typhoon is forecast to make landfall between Saturday evening and Sunday morning, affecting coastal regions stretching from Hong Kong to Guangdong province. An orange typhoon alert, the second-highest warning level under the country’s four-tier weather alert system, remains in force.
Meteorologists warned that parts of Guangdong and neighbouring Fujian province are likely to experience gale-force winds alongside heavy rainfall, raising concerns over potential flooding and disruption. Officials have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and follow safety instructions as weather conditions continue to deteriorate.
State broadcaster CCTV reported that more than 20,000 people in Guangdong had already been relocated to safer areas by late Friday. Fishing boats operating offshore were also ordered to return to port as authorities moved to reduce risks ahead of the storm’s arrival.
Transport services are expected to be significantly affected, with Guangdong suspending selected train services on Saturday morning before halting all railway operations across the province on Sunday. The precautionary measures are aimed at safeguarding passengers and minimising travel risks during the severe weather event.
Education has also been impacted, with schools in Chaozhou city instructed to suspend on-campus activities until conditions improve. Local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as emergency response teams remain on standby.
The latest weather threat comes after southern and central China were battered by extreme weather earlier this month. Typhoon Maysak triggered severe flooding in Guangxi, claiming 39 lives, while thunderstorms and powerful winds linked to the same system left 11 people dead and 331 others injured in Hubei province.
Scientists have repeatedly warned that climate change is increasing both the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events worldwide as global temperatures continue to rise due to greenhouse gas emissions. While China remains the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, it has also expanded its renewable energy sector and is targeting carbon neutrality by 2060.
