Typhoon Podul, the 11th named storm of the Pacific season, made landfall on the island of Taiwan on Wednesday afternoon, bringing heavy rains and sustained winds of 120 km/h. The storm initially impacted the eastern coast before moving westward toward densely populated urban areas.
Authorities in the Taiwan region issued red alerts for flash floods and landslides, with over 2,000 residents evacuated from high-risk zones. Transportation networks faced significant disruptions, including canceled flights and suspended high-speed rail services.
Meteorologists predict Podul will weaken to a tropical storm before crossing the Taiwan Strait and making a second landfall in China's southern Fujian Province by Thursday evening. Coastal cities like Xiamen have activated emergency response plans, recalling fishing vessels and preparing temporary shelters.
The storm's trajectory highlights broader climate patterns affecting East Asia this monsoon season. Scientists note warmer sea surface temperatures may be contributing to stronger typhoon formations, a critical consideration for business continuity planning across the region.
