Heavy rain is expected to persist in southern China, even as recent downpours have already pushed rivers over warning levels and inundated low-lying areas in Guangxi. Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated as Typhoon Narra tracks inland and another storm, Typhoon Saudel, churns toward the country's eastern seaboard.
China Braces for Rare Quartet of Storms
China's coastal areas and southern regions are preparing for days of intense precipitation. A rare quartet of storms, including Typhoons Narra and Saudel, alongside tropical cyclones Gaenari and Atsani, is swirling simultaneously across the Northwest Pacific and South China Sea, according to China's Meteorological Administration. This unusual weather pattern has forced regional authorities to close businesses, suspend tourist operations, and evacuate residents.
Heavy rain is expected to persist in the south, with Typhoon Saudel forecast to make landfall along China's eastern seaboard between Zhejiang and Fujian provinces between Thursday and Friday. The storm's outer rain bands could extend back toward Guangxi, exacerbating the already flooded region. Weather models project Saudel will track north of Taiwan, where it is expected to gradually weaken and shrink in storm radius.
Impact Felt Across the Region
Typhoon Saudel swept across Japan's Okinawa prefecture early on Wednesday, prompting weather agencies to issue warnings for destructive winds and high seas. The storm left nearly 35,000 homes without power, according to Kyushu Electric. A total of 92 flights serving airports across Okinawa Prefecture were canceled on Wednesday, while All Nippon Airways suspended all flights to and from Naha Airport, the prefecture's main gateway, public broadcaster NHK reported.
Taiwan's Central Weather Administration said Saudel is tracking north of the island, where it is expected to bring moderate rainfall to parts of northern and southern Taiwan through Friday. The storm's impact has been felt across the region, with residents and authorities bracing for the worst.
Residents Evacuated as Storms Approach
Regional authorities, including those in Guangxi and Hainan, have taken proactive measures to ensure public safety. Tens of thousands of residents have been evacuated from low-lying areas, with businesses and tourist operations suspended. The multi-storm system has forced regional authorities to close roads, suspend transportation services, and activate emergency response teams.
As the storms approach, residents are advised to remain indoors and follow evacuation orders. The situation remains fluid, with weather models predicting further rain and strong winds in the coming days. The situation will continue to unfold as the storms make landfall and the full extent of the damage becomes clear.
Source: Joy Online
