Typhoon Podul leaves 33 individuals impacted in Taiwan
Typhoon Podul has been making its way across Asia, causing storm warnings and evacuations in several regions.
In Taiwan, the typhoon made landfall around 13:00 local time (08:00 Moscow time) on August 13, causing disruptions and damage. The storm passed through the southern part of the island and reached the Taiwan Strait within three hours. Authorities evacuated more than 5,500 people, and there were reports of power outages and flight cancellations. Approximately 112 people were injured, and one person was missing due to being swept away while fishing.
In response to the storm warning, Beijing issued an orange-level warning for the first time in a decade. This warning suggests a high risk of severe weather, and authorities advised individuals weighing less than 50 kg to stay indoors and avoid going outside.
Meanwhile, in China's Fujian and Guangdong provinces, emergency measures were enacted in anticipation of the typhoon's arrival. The provinces upgraded their emergency typhoon response levels to Level III on August 12, expecting Podul to intensify into a severe typhoon with winds of up to 50 meters per second. The typhoon is expected to reach the southern coast of China late on August 13 or early on August 14.
Heavy rains caused flooding and disruption in coastal areas of Fujian and Guangdong. In response, local authorities evacuated around 15,000 people and deployed emergency response measures, including recalling fishing boats.
In Hong Kong and Macao, which are nearby, school closures and flooded streets occurred, and the Hong Kong Observatory warned residents to avoid shore areas. As of the latest reports, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or major damage in China upon Podul’s landfall, but vigilance and emergency actions remain high.
Elsewhere, nine cities and counties in Taiwan, including Kaohsiung and Tainan, suspended work and school on August 13. In Beijing, the storm warning resulted in the shutdown of all domestic flights (252) and some international flights (155).
Forecasters predict that southern mountainous areas may receive up to 600 mm of rain in the next few days. Chinese authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely and take necessary measures to ensure the safety of its citizens.
[1] Typhoon Podul makes landfall in Taiwan [2] Typhoon Podul: Taiwan braces for powerful storm [3] Typhoon Podul weakens after Taiwan landfall, heads for China [4] Typhoon Podul: Taiwan braces for powerful storm [5] Typhoon Podul Makes Landfall in Taiwan, Heads for China
- The weather in Taiwan significantly worsened as Typhoon Podul made landfall, causing disruptions and damage.
- The weather in several regions of China, including Fujian and Guangdong provinces, became severe as Typhoon Podul approached, leading to emergency measures and evacuations.
