Typhoon Podul

Typhoon Podul

Here’s a visual look at Typhoon Podul, from satellite imagery to its impacts on Taiwan and southern China.

Typhoon Podul, named by the Japan Meteorological Agency and forming in early August 2025, tracked westward from the eastern Philippine Sea, strengthening into a typhoon by August 11. It reached peak intensity just before striking Taiwan, packing maximum sustained winds of approximately 191 km/h (118 mph) upon landfall near Taitung in the island’s southeast on August 13.

Impact on Taiwan

• Widespread Preparedness: Southern and eastern Taiwan enacted shutdowns, closing schools and government offices across nine cities and counties including Taitung, Kaohsiung, and Tainan. Over 5,500 residents—particularly those still recovering from a previous July typhoon—were evacuated.

• Flight Disruptions: All 252 domestic flights and 129 international flights were cancelled, significantly affecting operations at Kaohsiung and Taoyuan airports.

• Storm Effects: The typhoon made landfall around 1 p.m. local time; one person was reported missing, and dozens were injured (33 per Reuters, up to 100 per AP).

• Forecasted Rainfall: Meteorologists warned of up to 600 mm (nearly 24 inches) of rain in southern mountainous areas—raising concerns over flooding and landslides.

Despite the storm’s power, Taiwan largely avoided catastrophic damage; there were no major infrastructure failures reported, although agricultural threats and possible electricity outages lingered as concerns.

Progression and Impact in Southern China

• Weakened Landfall in China: After crossing Taiwan, Podul weakened from a typhoon into a tropical storm before making landfall near Gulei in Fujian province around midnight local time, moving inland thereafter.

• Evacuations and Disruptions: Authorities evacuated approximately 15,000 coastal residents, particularly in Fujian and Guangdong, and ordered fishing boats back to port. In Hong Kong and Macau, the storm brought torrential rain; schools and courts closed under “black” rainstorm warnings, and outpatient clinics adjusted operating hours.

• Infrastructure Damage: In Fujian’s Zhangpu County, heavy wind and rain knocked down trees and disrupted power and transport infrastructure. Emergency crews were deployed to clear roads and restore electricity.

Historical Note: The Name “Podul”

The name Podul means “a willow” and has been assigned to several storms in the Western North Pacific, including those in 2001, 2007, 2013, 2019, and now 2025. While earlier iterations of Podul brought notable damage—such as the 2013 storm with heavy flooding in Vietnam—the 2025 typhoon stands out for its timely impacts across Taiwan and southern China.

Summary

Typhoon Podul (2025) was a powerful storm that formed in early August and rapidly intensified before striking southeastern Taiwan in mid-August. With sustained winds reaching about 191 km/h, it made landfall near Taitung on August 13, prompting widespread evacuations, flight cancellations, and lead to one person missing along with numerous injuries. Wary forecasts warned of intense rainfall in southern mountainous regions, although Taiwan avoided major damage, thanks in part to robust preparedness and evacuation efforts.

After crossing the island, Podul weakened into a tropical storm and made a second landfall in Fujian province, China. In the aftermath, roughly 15,000 coastal residents were evacuated, while Hong Kong and Macau braced for downpours, triggering school and court closures. Fujian saw disruptions to transportation and power as infrastructure was hit by wind and debris, though swift cleanup operations were deployed.

Historically, Podul is one of several Western Pacific tropical cyclones sharing that name—spanning from a super typhoon in 2001 to deadly storms in 2013 and 2019. The 2025 episode, however, showcased effective regional response to minimize harm both in Taiwan and parts of southern China.