**Typhoon Noul Makes Landfall in China, Prompting Mass Evacuations**
Typhoon Noul has made landfall in southern China, impacting regions including Hong Kong and Guangdong province. The storm, which struck at approximately 3:50 AM local time on Sunday, July 26, 2026, brought with it strong winds and heavy rainfall, leading to the evacuation of over 715,000 residents in Guangdong, according to state media reports.
The China National Meteorological Centre has classified Noul as the strongest typhoon to make landfall in the country this year. As it approached land, the typhoon recorded maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (68 miles per hour) near its center. The storm is now progressing inland into Guangdong, where it is expected to weaken but continue to bring adverse weather conditions.
In preparation for the storm, local authorities had already evacuated approximately 340,000 people by Saturday. By early Sunday, the number of evacuees had surged as safety measures were intensified. The evacuations were part of a broader effort to protect residents from the severe weather conditions anticipated in the region.
Reports from state broadcaster CCTV indicated that significant damage was already occurring, with numerous trees uprooted in Huilai county, a coastal area in Guangdong. The Hong Kong Observatory noted that the typhoon was causing heavy rain and strong winds across the region, which has led to disruptions in daily life.
In Hong Kong, the impact of Typhoon Noul was felt acutely, with the airport authority announcing the cancellation of approximately 350 flights on Sunday. Additionally, local authorities reported that at least nine individuals sustained injuries during the storm's passage through the city. The storm's force was evident as parts of a large scaffolding on a high-rise building collapsed on Saturday afternoon, though initial reports suggested no injuries from that incident.
As Noul continued its path, the National Meteorological Centre warned that southern Guangdong and southeastern Fujian provinces could experience further heavy rain and strong winds throughout the weekend. The situation is being closely monitored as the storm progresses inland.
Meanwhile, the effects of Typhoon Noul were also felt in Taiwan, where the Central Weather Administration reported rainfall in the southern and eastern parts of the island. The typhoon was moving away from Taiwan's waters as it continued its trajectory towards mainland China.
The recent occurrence of Typhoon Noul follows a series of storms that have affected the region this month. Earlier in July, Typhoon Bavi made landfall on July 11, prompting the evacuation of more than two million people along China's eastern coast. Another storm, Maysak, made landfall in southern China on July 3, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by severe weather in the region.
As the situation develops, authorities remain vigilant, and further updates are expected as the storm continues to impact southern China. Residents in affected areas are urged to stay informed and follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities.