Beijing (Rajeev Sharma): China has activated its highest typhoon warning as Typhoon Noul continues to strengthen on its approach to the country’s southern coastline, prompting emergency measures, transport disruptions and heightened flood preparedness across several provinces.
The National Meteorological Centre (NMC) issued a red alert, warning that the storm is likely to make landfall along the coast of Guangdong Province after intensifying over the South China Sea. Meteorologists said the cyclone was located around 100 kilometres southeast of Huidong County late Saturday, carrying winds reaching Force 14 near its centre.
Weather officials said Noul is moving in a northwesterly direction at approximately 20 km/h and could gain further strength before reaching land. After landfall, the storm is expected to curve toward the north-northwest while gradually losing intensity, though authorities cautioned that heavy rain, strong winds and flash flooding could continue to pose significant risks.
With the storm nearing the mainland, China’s State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters upgraded Guangdong’s emergency response for floods and typhoons to Level III. Flood response mechanisms have also been activated in Jiangxi and Hunan, where intense rainfall is expected as the weather system moves inland.
Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert, avoid coastal and low-lying locations, and follow evacuation advisories where necessary.
The approaching typhoon has already caused widespread disruptions to transportation. In Hong Kong, officials cancelled more than 410 flights and around 150 high-speed train services as precautionary measures. Local authorities also opened 28 temporary shelters to accommodate residents who may need emergency assistance.
Forecasts indicate that the storm’s impact may extend beyond Guangdong, with heavy rain and gusty conditions expected across parts of Fujian, Jiangxi, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong and Guangxi.
China’s weather warning system categorises typhoon threats into four levels—blue, yellow, orange and red—with the red alert reserved for the most severe storms. Emergency agencies remain on standby as officials monitor Typhoon Noul’s trajectory and prepare for potential damage to infrastructure, agriculture and residential areas.
