Typhoon Noul Hits Southern China, Forcing Mass Evacuations

Typhoon Noul made landfall in southern China early on Sunday, bringing powerful winds and heavy rainfall to Guangdong province and neighbouring Hong Kong. The storm triggered widespread safety measures, including the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of residents, while authorities placed several regions on high alert.

The typhoon, the strongest to make landfall in China so far this year, reached the coast of Huidong county at around 3:50 am, according to officials. Noul is the 12th tropical cyclone of the year and the third to affect China this month. The name "Noul" comes from the Korean language and means the glow of sunrise or sunset.

Hundreds of Thousands Evacuated Across Guangdong

Authorities relocated more than 715,000 people across Guangdong province as a precaution before the storm arrived. Emergency measures were introduced across the region to reduce the risk to residents as the typhoon approached.

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China also declared its highest alert for flash floods in several provinces due to the threat of intense rainfall and possible flooding. Officials urged local governments to closely monitor flood-prone areas, including mountain regions, riverbanks, valleys, bridges, and construction sites.

Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Expected to Continue

Weather authorities said Typhoon Noul is expected to bring heavy to torrential rainfall across much of southern China for two days after sweeping through Guangdong and Hong Kong with gale-force winds.

The storm is forecast to move further inland, affecting nearby provinces such as Jiangxi and Hunan, where strong winds and heavy rain are expected. State media reported that rainfall is likely to continue until Tuesday.

China's National Meteorological Centre forecast heavy to torrential rain across much of southern China from Sunday through Monday morning. Some parts of Fujian province are expected to experience extremely heavy to exceptional rainfall.

Hong Kong Faces Flight Disruptions and Storm Damage

The Hong Kong Observatory reported that Typhoon Noul had maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h (68 mph) near its centre as it moved inland through Guangdong and gradually weakened.

The storm caused major disruption in Hong Kong. Around 350 flights were cancelled at Hong Kong International Airport on Sunday. Airport authorities said flight operations would gradually resume later in the afternoon.

Officials also confirmed that at least nine people were injured during the typhoon period.

Before the storm reached Hong Kong, part of a large scaffolding structure attached to a high-rise building collapsed on Saturday. Police said initial reports indicated that no injuries were caused by the incident.

Transport Services Suspended in Guangdong

Train services across Guangdong province were cancelled on Sunday as the typhoon passed through the region, according to China News Service.

State broadcaster CCTV reported that many trees were uprooted in Huilai county, located along Guangdong's coastline, highlighting the strength of the storm.

Rainfall Also Affects Taiwan

Taiwan's Central Weather Administration said Typhoon Noul brought rainfall to parts of southern and eastern Taiwan while passing through waters south of the island. The storm was reported to be moving away from Taiwan on Saturday.

Earlier Typhoons Brought Similar Disruptions

Typhoon Noul follows two other tropical storms that affected China earlier this month. Typhoon Bavi made landfall on 11 July, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to eastern China and leading to the evacuation of more than 2 million people. Typhoon Maysak made landfall in southern China on 3 July.