China raises emergency response as Typhoon Noul nears Guangdong coast

China has escalated its emergency response to Level III for floods and typhoons in Guangdong Province as Typhoon Noul intensifies and heads toward the country's southern coast. The National Meteorological Center maintains an orange alert, the second-highest level, anticipating landfall between Hong Kong and Huilai on Saturday night or Sunday morning.

Typhoon Noul, the twelfth of the year, is projected to bring gale-force winds of up to level 12-13 and torrential rain to eastern South China Sea coastal areas, eastern Guangdong, and the Pearl River Estuary. Regions including Guangdong, Hunan, and Jiangxi are bracing for the impact.

In response, authorities have evacuated over 20,000 residents from vulnerable areas in Guangdong. Fishing vessels have been recalled to port, and schools, construction projects, and some coastal operations have been temporarily suspended. Shenzhen has halted classes, construction, and maritime activities, urging residents to avoid non-essential travel until the weather improves.

Transportation is already affected, with some rail services in Guangdong suspended and airports in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Xiamen, and Hong Kong preparing for potential disruptions. Hundreds of flights in Hong Kong have been canceled or rescheduled due to the adverse weather. Guangdong anticipates rainfall between 400 to 600 millimeters, increasing risks of floods, landslides, urban waterlogging, and threats to dams.