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Tropical storm Podul disrupts travel and schools in southern China

Tropical Storm Podul Wreaks Havoc in Southern China, Disrupting Travel and Education

BEIJING/HONG KONG, Aug 14 (Reuters) - Tropical Storm Podul barreled into southern China on Thursday, bringing torrential rains and gale-force winds that have paralyzed transportation networks, forced school closures, and prompted widespread evacuations. The storm, which intensified from a tropical depression earlier this week, made landfall in the coastal province of Guangdong around midday, unleashing chaos across a region already vulnerable to extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change.

Meteorological authorities reported that Podul was packing sustained winds of up to 90 kilometers per hour (56 mph) at landfall, with gusts reaching 110 kph in some areas. Heavy rainfall, exceeding 200 millimeters in just 12 hours in parts of Guangdong and neighboring Guangxi, has triggered flash floods and landslides, turning streets into rivers and submerging low-lying villages. The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) issued a red alert—the highest level—for severe weather, warning of "catastrophic" impacts in coastal and inland areas. "This storm is a stark reminder of the increasing intensity of tropical cyclones in the South China Sea, driven by warmer ocean temperatures," said a CMA spokesperson in a briefing.

Travel disruptions have been extensive, affecting millions of commuters and holidaymakers during what is typically a busy late-summer period. In Guangdong, home to major economic hubs like Shenzhen and Guangzhou, hundreds of flights were canceled or delayed at major airports, including Guangzhou Baiyun International and Shenzhen Bao'an. Airlines such as China Southern and Air China reported grounding over 500 flights, stranding passengers who were forced to seek alternative accommodations amid the downpour. High-speed rail services, a lifeline for intercity travel, were suspended on several lines connecting southern provinces to Beijing and Shanghai. The Ministry of Transport confirmed that more than 20 major highways were closed due to flooding and debris, with rescue teams deploying to clear blockages and assist stranded motorists.

In Hainan Island, often dubbed China's "Hawaii" for its tropical allure, the storm's outer bands caused significant upheaval. Ferry services to the mainland were halted, isolating tourists and locals alike. "We were supposed to fly back home today, but everything's shut down. It's frustrating, but safety first," said one traveler interviewed at Haikou Meilan International Airport, where crowds huddled under leaking roofs waiting for updates.

Education has also taken a hit, with schools across southern China closing their doors to protect students from the hazardous conditions. In Guangdong alone, over 1,000 schools suspended classes, affecting an estimated 2 million pupils. The provincial education department mandated the closures as a precautionary measure, citing risks from flooding and high winds that could damage school infrastructure. Online learning platforms were activated in some districts, but rural areas with poor internet access faced challenges in maintaining educational continuity. "We're monitoring the situation closely and will resume in-person classes only when it's safe," stated an official from the Guangdong Education Bureau.

The storm's path has raised alarms about broader economic and environmental repercussions. Southern China, a manufacturing powerhouse contributing significantly to global supply chains, could see factories in electronics and textiles sectors temporarily shuttered due to power outages and flooded facilities. In Guangxi, agricultural heartlands known for rice paddies and fruit orchards have been inundated, threatening harvests and livelihoods. Fishermen along the coast were ordered to return to port days in advance, with ports in Beihai and Fangchenggang enforcing strict no-sail policies.

Government response has been swift and multifaceted. Local authorities in affected provinces activated emergency protocols, evacuating over 100,000 residents from flood-prone areas to temporary shelters. The National Emergency Management Ministry dispatched teams equipped with pumps, sandbags, and rescue boats to bolster local efforts. President Xi Jinping called for "all-out efforts" to minimize casualties and property damage, emphasizing the need for improved disaster resilience in the face of climate change. This directive aligns with China's broader sustainability goals, including investments in green infrastructure to combat the rising frequency of extreme weather events.

Podul's arrival comes amid a particularly active typhoon season in the western Pacific, with scientists attributing the uptick to global warming. Warmer sea surface temperatures provide more energy for storms to develop and strengthen, leading to heavier precipitation and stronger winds. A recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlighted East Asia as a hotspot for such intensified cyclones, projecting a 10-20% increase in storm intensity by mid-century if emissions aren't curbed.

Eyewitness accounts paint a vivid picture of the storm's fury. In the city of Zhanjiang, residents described howling winds uprooting trees and power lines, plunging neighborhoods into darkness. "The rain was relentless; it felt like the sky was falling," said Li Wei, a local shopkeeper who helped neighbors sandbag their homes. In rural villages, farmers rushed to secure livestock and harvest what they could before the floods hit.

As Podul moves inland, it is expected to weaken into a tropical depression by Friday, but not before dumping more rain on already saturated ground. Forecasters predict the storm will track northwest, potentially affecting Hunan and Jiangxi provinces with lingering showers. The CMA has urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel, while emergency hotlines are overwhelmed with calls for assistance.

This event underscores the growing challenges posed by climate change in densely populated regions like southern China. With urbanization and coastal development accelerating, vulnerability to storms like Podul is heightened. Experts advocate for enhanced early warning systems, mangrove restoration for natural barriers, and sustainable urban planning to mitigate future risks. As cleanup efforts begin, the focus shifts to recovery, but the storm serves as a potent warning of the urgent need for global action on climate resilience.

In the broader context, Podul follows a pattern seen in recent years with storms like Typhoon Lekima in 2019 and Typhoon Chanthu in 2021, which similarly disrupted life in southern China. Environmental advocates are calling for accelerated transitions to renewable energy to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions fueling these weather extremes. China's commitments under the Paris Agreement, including peaking carbon emissions by 2030, are seen as critical steps, but implementation at the local level remains key.

As the rain continues to fall, communities in southern China brace for the aftermath, hoping for a swift return to normalcy while grappling with the realities of a changing climate. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full reuters.com Article at:
[ https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/tropical-storm-podul-disrupts-travel-schools-southern-china-2025-08-14/ ]