Chinese authorities have raised the level of readiness along the eastern coast of Guangdong province as Typhoon Saudel has strengthened again over the South China Sea. According to the official forecast, the system is expected to make landfall or pass very close to the coastline from Thursday afternoon to Friday morning, increasing the risk of flooding, property damage and disruption to daily life.
Classes suspended and warning signals issued in several cities
The worsening weather has forced several cities to suspend classes, while local authorities have activated different warning levels. At midday on Wednesday, a yellow typhoon alert was issued in Nan’ao County, a measure that was accompanied by the suspension of classes.
According to China’s National Meteorological Center, the areas of Chaozhou, Zhejiang, Shandong and Zhuhai activated blue warnings, as authorities prepare for the possibility that Saudel could affect the coastline more than once along its trajectory.
Transport under pressure, Nan’ao Bridge closed
Restrictive measures have also affected movement. Nan’ao Bridge, which links the island to the mainland, was closed to traffic at 14:00 on Wednesday, a decision indicating that the risk is being treated as high on the ground.
The bridge management committee said reopening will depend on how weather conditions develop, suggesting that a return to normal traffic remains uncertain for now.
Images show flooding and damage in several regions
Footage published online shows flooded roads and damaged vehicles in Quanzhou’s Luojiang district after intense rainfall on September 1. Other video material shows vehicles being swept away during severe flooding in Ruian, in Wenzhou.
In Wenzhou, according to notices circulated together with the footage, a red alert was declared after the typhoon made landfall, causing flash flooding, road blockages and landslides. According to the same notices, more than 820,000 people have been evacuated.
Where Saudel was and what is expected in the coming hours
At 08:00 on Wednesday, the center of the typhoon was located about 195 kilometers east-southeast of Shanwei, over the northeastern part of the South China Sea. According to the NMC, the system was accompanied by maximum sustained category 8 winds, while gusts reached up to 18 meters per second.
Chinese meteorological authorities say Saudel moved slowly and erratically during Wednesday before turning overnight toward the west-southwest. According to the China Meteorological Administration, the typhoon is expected to track along the Guangdong coast on Thursday, increasing the chances that it will make landfall or pass very close to the area between Shantou and Huizhou.
Warnings over loss of life and economic damage
Coastal cities that could be affected have been ordered to take preventive measures, with a stated focus on protecting human life and limiting economic damage. Official warnings speak of severe storms, powerful winds and heavy rainfall.
The risk is not limited to flooding. The notices also warn of flash torrents and landslides, especially in areas already hit by torrential rain in Zhejiang and Fujian.
The escalation of the situation has put infrastructure and public services under pressure in several coastal areas of China.
So far, the picture emerging from official notices and published footage is of a storm with wide-ranging impact, with consequences that could worsen if Saudel’s trajectory is confirmed in the coming hours.