Typhoon Saudel prompts flight and ferry cancellations across China's coast and Taiwan

In Taiwan, the approaching typhoon had an immediate effect on air travel. Sixteen flights were cancelled at Taoyuan International Airport, the island's main international hub, as airlines and airport authorities responded to deteriorating weather conditions. Passengers were advised to check the status of their itineraries before travelling to the airport.

Taiwan flights grounded

China's eastern and southeastern provinces, including Zhejiang, were placed on high alert as forecasters warned that Saudel could bring damaging winds, storm surge and further heavy rainfall. Local governments activated emergency response plans, and fishing vessels were recalled to port in line with standard typhoon-season protocols.

Ferry services across the Taiwan Strait and along the southeast coast were suspended or scaled back ahead of the storm. Operators cited unsafe sea conditions and the prospect of high winds as reasons for the cancellations, leaving travellers with reduced options for crossing between islands and the mainland.

China's east and southeast on alert

Japanese authorities also monitored the storm's trajectory closely as it tracked northwest. The Japan Meteorological Agency kept parts of the Ryukyu Islands, including Okinawa and Amami, under weather advisories as Saudel moved through nearby waters. Residents in those islands were urged to remain vigilant for updates.

Japan tracks the typhoon

The twin weather threats of Saudel and the lingering Narra have raised concerns about cumulative rainfall and possible flooding in areas already saturated from days of precipitation. Hydrological agencies warned that rivers in parts of eastern China could rise rapidly if the typhoon delivers the downpours forecast by regional models.

Flood risk from combined rainfall

Emergency response teams have been deployed to vulnerable stretches of coastline, where temporary barriers were erected and evacuation routes checked. In Zhejiang province, officials said they were ready to relocate residents from flood-prone villages if conditions deteriorated further.

Transportation ministries in both China and Taiwan said restoration of flights and ferry services would depend on the storm's path and post-event damage assessments. Airlines indicated that some routes could resume once weather conditions permit safe operations.