China Evacuates 340,000 Residents as Typhoon Noul Nears Landfall

Chinese authorities have evacuated more than 340,000 residents, suspended work and rail services, and issued the country’s highest typhoon warning as Typhoon Noul approaches the southern coast.

According to China’s National Meteorological Center, the powerful storm is expected to make landfall along the Guangdong coastline between Shenzhen and Haifeng early on Sunday.

The weather agency issued a red typhoon alert, the highest warning level in China’s four-tier emergency system, as the storm intensified over the South China Sea.

Typhoon Noul is forecast to bring heavy rainfall to Guangdong and neighbouring provinces including Hunan, Fujian and Jiangxi from Saturday night through Sunday.

Meteorologists warned that when the storm reaches land, it could pack sustained winds of between 151 and 173 kilometres per hour, posing significant risks to lives and property.

State media reported that more than 340,000 people have already been relocated from vulnerable communities across Guangdong Province.

Authorities also ordered the suspension of schools, business activities, production operations and transportation services in at least 12 cities, including Guangzhou, Dongguan and Shantou.

China’s state broadcaster, CCTV, announced that all train services across Guangdong will be suspended throughout Sunday as a precautionary measure.

In neighbouring Hong Kong, the Observatory issued the city’s third-highest typhoon warning, warning residents that wind speeds would strengthen significantly overnight.

Emergency shelters have been opened across the territory, while aviation authorities confirmed widespread flight disruptions.

Hong Kong International Airport reported that dozens of flights had already been cancelled or delayed, with Cathay Pacific suspending all arrivals and departures between 1:15 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport also announced that airlines would adjust flight schedules depending on weather conditions.

Chinese meteorologists described Typhoon Noul as particularly dangerous because of its expected inland movement, prolonged rainfall and ability to trigger floods and landslides across mountainous terrain.

The latest emergency comes only weeks after Typhoon Maysak caused deadly flooding across southern and central China, leaving dozens of people dead and hundreds injured.

Scientists have repeatedly warned that climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events worldwide.

Although China remains the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, it has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 while continuing to expand renewable energy production.