Typhoon Noul struck southern China early Sunday, forcing the evacuation of more than 715,000 people in Guangdong province as winds reached 110 kilometers per hour. The storm made landfall in Huidong county at 3:50 a.m. local time, becoming the strongest typhoon to hit China this year.
Impact on Guangdong and Hong Kong
The storm brought heavy rain and strong winds to Guangdong and Hong Kong, uprooting trees and disrupting travel. Hong Kong’s airport canceled 350 flights, while nine people were injured across the city. A scaffolding collapse on a high-rise building was reported, though no injuries were confirmed.
State broadcaster CCTV showed images of downed trees in Huilai county, along the Guangdong coast. Authorities had relocated over 340,000 people by Saturday, with evacuations continuing into Sunday as the storm moved inland and weakened.
Regional Weather Warnings
China’s National Meteorological Centre warned of heavy rain and strong winds in southern Guangdong and southeastern Fujian over the weekend. Taiwan also experienced rainfall as Noul passed south of the island, according to the Central Weather Administration.
This is the third major typhoon to hit China in recent weeks. Typhoon Bavi forced the evacuation of over two million people in eastern China on July 11, while Typhoon Maysak struck southern China on July 3.
What Happens Next
Officials expect Noul to continue weakening as it moves farther inland. Residents in affected areas should monitor local weather updates for flood and landslide risks in the coming days.
