China evacuates over 340,000 as Typhoon Noul nears Guangdong coast
China evacuates 340,000+ people and suspends services as Typhoon Noul approaches Guangdong, with Hong Kong raising storm signals and opening shelters ahead of heavy rain and gale-force winds.
Southern China moved swiftly on Saturday to relocate more than 340,000 residents and halt rail and many commercial services as Typhoon Noul bore down on the Guangdong coastline. Authorities issued their highest-level typhoon alert and ordered suspensions of classes, work and transport across multiple cities as forecasts warned of damaging winds and torrential rain. (apnews.com)
Guangdong authorities relocate hundreds of thousands
Local government offices in Guangdong said they had evacuated more than 340,000 people from low-lying and high-risk areas, moving residents to temporary reception centres and safer inland locations. Evacuation orders covered coastal districts and fishing communities as officials aimed to clear vulnerable zones ahead of the storm’s expected landfall. (bignewsnetwork.com)
Twelve cities across the province, including major urban centres such as Guangzhou, Dongguan and Shantou, reported partial or full suspension of education, industrial production and many commercial activities to reduce risk to people and infrastructure. Local broadcasters and state media carried repeated advisories urging residents to heed official instructions and avoid non-essential travel. (phys.org)
National meteorological centre issues red typhoon alert
China’s National Meteorological Center and provincial observatories raised storm warnings to the red level — the highest tier under the country’s four-level system — reflecting the anticipated intensity and impact of Noul as it approached the southern shore. The alert advised authorities to enact emergency response plans and warned of storm surge, flooding and landslide risk in affected areas. (nmc.cn)
Meteorological bulletins projected that parts of southeastern Guangdong and neighbouring provinces would face prolonged heavy rainfall beginning Saturday evening, prompting flood-control agencies to mobilise resources and coordinate rescue and relief teams. Emergency response units were placed on heightened readiness to respond to rapidly changing conditions. (china.org.cn)
Transport and public services largely suspended
Regional rail operators announced widespread suspensions of train services and local authorities ordered the temporary closure of ports and many intercity ferry routes to minimise maritime risks. State broadcaster reports said rail and other public transport would remain restricted while the storm passes and safety checks are completed. (phys.org)
Air travel in and around Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta was heavily disrupted, with hundreds of flights cancelled or delayed as carriers adjusted schedules in line with weather warnings. Authorities urged passengers to check with airlines and to avoid traveling to airports unless journeys were essential. (hngn.com)
Hong Kong raises storm signal and opens shelters
Hong Kong’s observatory raised its typhoon warning to the third-highest level on Saturday night and warned that local winds were expected to strengthen significantly overnight, with the possibility of a further escalation of the signal as the system moved closer. The city’s Home Affairs Department opened 28 temporary shelters to accommodate people displaced or unable to remain in unsafe buildings. (phys.org)
Local authorities also reported precautionary measures such as the suspension of schools and the halting of many public-facing services while emergency teams inspected vulnerable infrastructure for damage. Transport operators implemented contingency plans in anticipation of peak wind and rainfall. (phys.org)
Forecast and expected impacts on the coast
Forecasters projected that Noul could make landfall along a coastal corridor between Shenzhen and Haifeng, bringing peak sustained winds in the range of roughly 151–173 kilometres per hour alongside very heavy precipitation in coastal districts. The combination of strong winds, storm surge and intense rain raises the risk of coastal flooding and localized landslides in hilly terrain. (noticias.uol.com.br)
Authorities cautioned that gusts could exceed sustained wind speeds and that damage to weak structures, downed trees and power outages were possible. Maritime authorities ordered vessels to seek shelter, and officials emphasised that conditions could deteriorate rapidly once the storm’s core nears land. (nmc.cn)
Emergency coordination and preparedness measures
Provincial governments have activated multi-agency emergency responses, mobilising flood-control teams, medical units and rescue personnel to standby positions and pre-deploying supplies to reception centres. Officials said they would prioritise rapid search-and-rescue operations and post-storm restoration of essential services where needed. (china.org.cn)
Authorities also urged the public to secure loose outdoor objects, avoid rivers and coastal areas, and to keep emergency kits and communication plans ready. Local hotlines and official channels were promoted as the primary sources for up-to-date advisories and shelter information. (china.org.cn)
The situation remains fluid as Typhoon Noul approaches the southern Chinese coast, and residents in Guangdong, neighbouring provinces and Hong Kong are being urged to follow official guidance and remain on alert until the storm has passed. (apnews.com)