Storm Podul Disrupts Life in Southern China and Hong Kong

Heavy rainfall and severe weather conditions caused significant disruption across southern China and Hong Kong following the impact of Storm Podul. The storm, which made landfall in the southeastern province of Fujian on August 10, 2023, resulted in the issuance of a “black” rainstorm warning, the highest level, prompting local authorities to cancel various activities, including the hearing of media tycoon and pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai.

In Hong Kong, outpatient clinics adjusted their operating hours, and schools were closed as safety measures were enacted amid ongoing severe weather. Airports in southern China experienced a flight cancellation rate of approximately 20%, with significant disruptions reported in key areas such as Guangdong, Hunan, and Jiangxi provinces. In Quanzhou, a vital hub for textiles and apparel, over a third of scheduled flights were canceled, reflecting concerns that extreme weather events are increasingly posing risks to economic stability in the world’s second-largest economy.

The region has been grappling with unprecedented rainfall and heatwaves this summer. In response to the ongoing situation, the Chinese government announced an additional 430 million yuan (approximately $59.9 million) in disaster relief funding. This brings the total allocated for disaster response since April to at least 5.8 billion yuan.

Residents in impacted areas have reported harrowing experiences. Cara Liang, a visitor from Guangdong, expressed concern over the relentless rainfall affecting many parts of mainland China. “Many places have experienced flooding, which hasn’t been good for anyone,” she remarked during her time in Hong Kong.

Severe Weather Conditions Continue

In Macau, rainfall reached nearly 110 mm in some areas within just one hour, prompting local authorities to warn residents of potential flooding in low-lying regions. The government closed schools in the afternoon and advised residents to remain indoors as heavy rain was forecast to continue throughout the day.

After making landfall, Storm Podul weakened from a typhoon to a tropical storm, bringing wind speeds of up to 191 km/h as it swept through Taiwan before heading toward the Chinese mainland. The storm’s residual effects have been particularly challenging, with meteorologists noting that Podul is moving northwest at speeds of 30-35 km/h.

Chim Lee, a senior analyst at the Economist Intelligence Unit, highlighted the need for heightened preparedness among authorities. “There’s growing evidence that we’re seeing more intense and slower-moving tropical cyclones,” he noted, cautioning that China’s southern coast could face various economic disruptions. He pointed out a notable shift northward in where cyclones reach peak intensity, urging affected regions to remain vigilant.

As authorities in Guangdong prepared for additional rainfall, over one million cubic meters of water—equivalent to 400 Olympic-sized swimming pools—was discharged from a reservoir to manage water levels. Meanwhile, highways in Meizhou were closed due to the downpour, and high-speed rail services connecting Shenzhen and Hangzhou were suspended.

The consequences of this storm are stark. Hong Kong experienced its heaviest August rainfall since 1884, with the provincial capital of Guangzhou recording 622.6 mm of rain between August 2 and 6—nearly three times the city’s average for the month—resulting in at least seven fatalities.

As the region continues to deal with the aftermath of Storm Podul, the call for effective disaster management strategies and investment into infrastructure resilience becomes increasingly urgent. Authorities will need to navigate the challenges posed by climate change, which is increasingly influencing the frequency and intensity of such weather events.