Floodwaters submerge streets in Hong Kong as Tropical Storm Podul brings heavy rain and disrupts daily life across southern China. Photo courtesy: The Standard (HK)
(The Post News)– Tropical Storm Podul struck southern China on Thursday, dumping more than 70 mm (2.76 inches) of rain per hour in Guangdong, Hunan, and Jiangxi. The downpour disrupted hospitals, courts, and transport in Hong Kong.
The city issued its highest “black” rainstorm warning. Media tycoon and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai’s trial was postponed until conditions improved. Still, the public queued outside the courtroom despite the weather.
Health officials closed all outpatient clinics until the warning ends. Emergency rooms stayed open for urgent cases. Postal services also halted operations.
Podul weakened from a typhoon after hitting Taiwan on Wednesday. Winds there reached 191 kph (118 mph), leaving one person missing and injuring 143. The storm now threatens southern China, still recovering from record rainfall.
Experts say climate change is fueling more extreme weather. Floods, shipping delays, and crop damage cost China tens of billions each year. Cities in southern provinces are on alert. Officials urge people to avoid low-lying areas and follow weather updates.
The storm made landfall in Fujian province at 12:30 a.m. local time (GMT 4:30 p.m. Wednesday). It is moving northwest at 30–35 km/h (about 22 mph), the national weather bureau said. Emergency crews are helping residents and preparing for floods.
In Hong Kong, the Wetland Park remains closed. The grounds, now waterlogged, are left to the ducks. Residents are told to stay indoors and avoid flooded streets. Authorities warn Podul’s impact could last for days.
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