Tropical storm 'Podul' strikes Taiwan, moves towards mainland China - Tropical storm "Podul" strikes Taiwan, heading towards the Chinese mainland.
Flooding and disruptions have been reported in Taiwan and southern China due to Typhoon "Podul". The typhoon is expected to make landfall along the Chinese coast between Xiamen in Fujian province and Shantou in Guangdong province late Wednesday or early Thursday.
The typhoon hit Taiwan on Wednesday, causing numerous problems. All domestic flights on the 23-million-strong island were canceled, and train and ferry services were temporarily halted. Dozens of international flights were also canceled due to the typhoon.
In Taiwan, more than 63,000 households were left without power, and over 8,000 people were evacuated. Train services were disrupted, and dozens of trees were uprooted. Flooding occurred in several areas, causing significant damage to infrastructure and homes.
The floods in Taiwan and China are primarily caused by climate change, rapid urbanization, and land-use changes. These factors amplify extreme rainfall and storm surge events, leading to more frequent and intense floods. Scientists warn that the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like floods will continue to increase due to human-induced climate change.
The effects of the flooding are severe. Significant loss of lives and injuries have been reported, with thousands displaced and extensive economic and infrastructural damage caused. Increased landslides and sediment flows worsen after floods, compounding recovery challenges.
Prevention and mitigation measures include enhancing early warning systems, urban planning reforms, disaster preparedness and rapid response plans, investment in ecosystem restoration, and significant government funding allocations for disaster relief and infrastructure reconstruction.
In addition to the disruptions in Taiwan, schools in Guangdong province have suspended classes due to Typhoon "Podul". The typhoon is expected to continue causing problems in the region as it makes landfall in China.
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