Typhoon Saudel makes its third landfall in China

13:10

By: Azzat Manal

Typhoon Saudel makes its third landfall in China

Typhoon Saudel made landfall on the coast of Fujian province on Thursday morning, marking the storm’s third landfall in China after striking the eastern province of Zhejiang twice in recent days.

The storm prompted authorities to suspend in-person classes in the cities of Fuzhou and Quanzhou and temporarily close several tourist attractions, including amusement parks in Fuzhou. Passenger ferry services were also suspended on 24 routes along the Fujian coastline as officials prepared for worsening weather conditions.

Fujian’s emergency management authorities warned residents of intense rainstorms and the risk of secondary disasters, including flash floods and landslides. In a statement, the authorities said the province was experiencing persistent and heavy rainfall.

Saudel previously made two landfalls along the coast of Zhejiang on August 28. The repeated impacts have raised concerns over further flooding and disruption in coastal areas already exposed to severe weather.

Last week, authorities evacuated around 247,700 people from areas considered particularly vulnerable in Fujian after issuing warnings over the possibility of heavy rainfall, according to China’s state news agency Xinhua.

Several parts of China have experienced severe weather in recent months, with a series of typhoons bringing torrential rain, flooding and widespread disruption. Large-scale evacuations have been carried out in affected regions as authorities attempt to reduce the risks to residents.

The latest storm also highlights the growing challenges faced by communities exposed to extreme weather. Scientists have warned that rising global temperatures, driven largely by greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, could contribute to more frequent or intense extreme weather events.

For local authorities, the immediate priority remains protecting residents, maintaining emergency communications and limiting the impact of flooding and landslides as heavy rainfall continues across parts of southeastern China.