Typhoon Noel caused major disruption to air travel in Southeast Asia, leading to the cancellation of more than 20 flights between Singapore, Hong Kong, and several cities in southern China over the weekend. The storm also made landfall in southern China, bringing strong winds and heavy rain to the region.
Authorities in Guangdong evacuated hundreds of thousands of residents as the typhoon continued to affect transport and coastal areas.
Widespread flight cancellations
On Saturday, 13 flights operated by Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines between Singapore and Hong Kong were canceled, according to flight information data from Singapore’s Changi Airport.
In addition, eight flights between Shenzhen and Singapore were canceled by:
– Shenzhen Airlines
– China Southern Airlines
– Singapore Airlines
Regional aviation disruption
The cancellations reflect the broader impact of the storm on regional air traffic, as strong winds and heavy rain continued to disrupt schedules.
Typhoon Noel makes landfall in southern China
China’s National Meteorological Center said Typhoon Noel made landfall along the coast of Huidong County in Huizhou, Guangdong province, in southern China.
Hong Kong’s weather observatory said the typhoon was moving inland across Guangdong while gradually weakening, but still bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall to parts of the region.
Strong winds near the center
The observatory said the storm had maximum sustained winds of 145 kilometers per hour near its center, increasing the impact on coastal and nearby inland areas.
Mass evacuations in Guangdong
The typhoon prompted the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of residents in Guangdong province as authorities moved to minimize the risk to life and property.
Officials raised emergency alerts to the highest level in the region and continued monitoring the storm’s path closely.
Precautionary measures
Authorities took several steps, including:
– Flight cancellations
– Resident evacuations
– Maximum emergency alert levels
– Ongoing weather monitoring
Regional impact on transport
The effects of Typhoon Noel were not limited to China, as the storm also disrupted travel in Singapore, Hong Kong, and other parts of southern China.
Further disruptions were expected until weather conditions improved and wind speeds eased.
Key figures
– More than 20 flights canceled
– 13 Singapore-Hong Kong flights canceled
– 8 Shenzhen-Singapore flights canceled
– Hundreds of thousands evacuated in Guangdong
– Winds reached 145 km/h near the typhoon’s center
Conclusion
Typhoon Noel shows the scale of disruption that tropical storms can cause across transportation networks and daily life in southern China and nearby regions. As the system continues inland, authorities remain on alert while airlines adjust schedules to reflect changing weather conditions.
