Typhoon Podul weakened to a severe tropical storm as it made landfall in southeastern China early Thursday, following its path of destruction across Taiwan. Maximum sustained winds of 108 kilometers per hour were recorded in Fujian province’s Zhangpu County when the storm hit for the second time. Before reaching China, wind gusts of up to 178 kilometers per hour were reported in Taiwan, with one person missing, 112 injured, and over 8,000 evacuated. Streets in Kaohsiung were left filled with fallen branches as flooding and toppled trees marked Podul’s passage.
In Taiwan, domestic and international flights were canceled, leaving 63,000 households without power and forcing many businesses and schools to close. Train services were impacted, and ferry operations suspended. Relief efforts involving over 31,500 soldiers were put in place to assist affected areas. The Central Weather Administration warned of heavy rainfall in Kaohsiung and Tainan, among other regions, stressing the intense weather conditions experienced.
In mainland China, schools in Guangdong paused classes, while transport services were halted temporarily in various provinces due to the approaching storm. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV announced significant rainfall expected in several regions, including Hunan and Jiangxi. Taiwan has faced severe weather in recent weeks, with Typhoon Danas and subsequent rainstorms causing casualties and significant damage.
Heavy rain in Beijing and flash floods in northwest China have added to the challenges posed by natural disasters. The impact of climate change has been highlighted as a contributing factor to the intensification of weather patterns, resulting in more destructive storms and floods. Global warming’s influence on the atmosphere and oceans has been linked to the increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
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