Typhoon Soulik (2013)

Though the storm was forecast to remain away from the Philippines, it was expected to enhance the southwest monsoon over western areas of the country starting July 10.[25] Later that day, PAGASA issued Public Storm Warning Signal (PSWS) #1 for the Batanes in northern Luzon, indicating expected winds of 45 to 60 km/h (28 to 37 mph).[26] Fishermen along the northern and eastern seaboards of the region were advised to avoid sailing due to rough seas.[27] On July 12, the PSWS for the Batanes was raised to #2 as winds were expected to reach 61 to 100 km/h (38 to 62 mph) as the storm brushed the area. Additionally, the Calayan and Babuyan Islands were placed under PSWS #1.[28] Following the typhoon's landfall in Taiwan, the signal were discontinued for all areas during the morning of July 13.[29]

Hours after the JMA declared Soulik a tropical storm, the agency noted that the Ryukyu Islands were in the path of the storm.[30] By July 10, the Daitō Islands were expected to experience winds of 55 km/h (35 mph) as the storm passed to the south.[31] Due to the storm's large size, areas as far north as the Amami Islands were expected to see effects from the typhoon.[32] Starting during the evening of July 10 and continuing through July 12, ferry service in across the southern islands was suspended and cargo vessels were advised to take alternate courses.[33] Farmers on Miyako-jima were advised to harvest their mango crop, which was nearing peak time for harvest, before the typhoon struck.[34] As the storm moved closer to the Daitō Islands, the JMA urged residents to be aware of coastal conditions and potential storm surges.[35] On July 12, all flights to and from Ishigaki Airport and Miyako Airport were canceled.[36]

Typhoon Soulik approaching Taiwan on July 12

In Taiwan, over 8,000 people were evacuated from mountainous areas because of the threat of landslides from torrential rain. In Taiwan's cities, Kaohsiung had 3,000 residents evacuated while 2,000 were evacuated from Pingtung county.[37] The Taiwan Central Weather Bureau has put "Typhoon News and Typhoon Warning" into effect.[38]

On July 11, the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) placed much of East China under a yellow alert, the second level of a four-tier warning system.[39] Additionally, Fujian was placed under an orange alert, the second-highest level of warning.[40] A national early disaster warning was also put in place that day, with local authorities across the country asked to be on duty around-the-clock.[39] Residents in Fujian, Jiangxi, and Zhejiang were advised to prepare for heavy rains capable of producing floods and landslides.[41] In Fujian, more than 304,000 people were evacuated prior to Soulik's arrival. Public transportation was brought to a standstill in some areas and 142 flights from Fuzhou Changle International Airport were canceled. The National Marine Environmental Forecasting Center also issued a top-level maritime for areas over the southern East China Sea, with waves expected to reach 6 to 10 m (20 to 33 ft). Additionally, roughly 5,500 soldiers were dispatched to 18 counties in Fujian to assist in possible rescue efforts.[42]

Skirting the southern Ryukyu Islands, Soulik brought typhoon-force winds to several areas on July 13, with a peak gust of 217 km/h (135 mph) measured in Yonaguni, Okinawa. The winds downed numerous trees and power lines across the region and left roughly 16,100 households without electricity. Significant crop damage took place as well with losses reaching ¥573 million (US$5.77 million), mostly from damage to sugar cane. A total of 11 people were injured in various incidents, one of whom was seriously injured. Rainfall from the storm peaked at 194 mm (7.6 in) in Ishigaki.,[43]

Damage caused by Soulik in Taipei

According to the Central Weather Bureau, Soulik struck Taiwan with winds of 190 km/h (120 mph) and gusts as high as 220 km/h (140 mph). Winds up to 120 km/h (75 mph) buffeted Taipei, tearing roofs off buildings, downing power lines, and snapping or uprooting 1,000 trees.[44][45] At the height of the storm, roughly 800,000 residences were without power. Torrential rains, amounting to 900 mm (35 in) in Bailan, accompanied the destructive winds. Taipei 101 had its greatest sway amplitude since its completion, shifting up to 70 cm (28 in) during the storm.[46] Flash flooding and landslides caused widespread damage and forced thousands to evacuate. In Puli, Nantou, nine people had to be rescued from their homes as floods inundated the area. An official in the town stated that the typhoon was "more serious than we predicted." In the coastal city of Keelung, streets were covered in up to 30 cm (0.98 ft) of sea water. Low-lying areas along the Hsintien River in greater Taipei were also flooded and one aboriginal town was forced to evacuate.[44] Across the island, four people were killed by the storm: one from head trauma, another from falling off a roof, one from drowning, and a fourth from unknown causes.[47] Additionally, 123 people were injured in various incidents.[48] Substantial damage took place within the agricultural sector, with losses estimated in excess of NT$1.27 billion (US$42.5 million). Crop losses accounted for NT$1.12 billion (US$37.5 million) of this.[49] Rice, banana, pear, guava, and bamboo crops were the hardest hit across the island.[48] A total of 457 schools were damaged, with losses totaling to NT$46.3 million (US$1.5 million).[50]

Immediately following the typhoon, power companies deployed approximately 1,600 personnel to restore downed or interrupted transmission lines. Electricity was fully restored to the island by July 15.[51] Four days after the storm, a dog and four puppies that went missing in Miaoli County after a flash flood and landslide were found on a cliff side and rescued.[52]

Coastal Fujian was battered by typhoon-force winds and waves up to 10 m (33 ft) high. In Ningde, strong winds destroyed billboards and uprooted trees.[53] Preliminary estimates in the province indicated that 72 million people were affected by the storm, more than half of whom were temporarily displaced. At least 990 homes collapsed and direct economic losses reached ¥1.744 billion (US$284 million). Additionally, no casualties took place in the province, with media outlets remarking the storm as the "first won battle."[54] In Wenzhou, Zhejiang alone, 410,000 people were affected and economic losses amounted to ¥212 million (US$34.58 million).[55] Heavy rains from the storm extended into Guangdong where many areas recorded 100 to 250 mm (3.9 to 9.8 in) of rain; accumulations peaked at 292.5 mm (11.52 in) in Minamifuku. These rains triggered flooding in many areas of the province and affected 38.2 million people. Approximately 2 million were forced to evacuate their homes.[56] The Hanjiang River crested at 43.68 m (143.3 ft), 1.68 m (5.5 ft) above flood stage, with a flow rate of 5,230 m³ (18,400 ft³) per second. At least three people were killed in the province and 1,076 homes were destroyed with losses amounting to ¥350 million (US$57 million).[57] In Jiangxi, heavy rains from the storm peaked at 354.3 mm (13.95 in) with a province-wide average of 26.8 mm (1.06 in).[58] Two people were killed while another was listed as missing in the province. Approximately 35.84 million people were directly affected in Jiangxi, of whom 6,159 were displaced, and losses amounted to ¥353 million (US$57.5 million).[59]

Further north in Qingdao, Shandong, large quantities of sea lettuce washed ashore under the typhoon's influence. The city dispatched crews with heavy machinery in order to clear beaches of the lettuce.[60] 11 people were killed, and total damages from the storm were amounted to be ¥3.39 billion (US$552 million).[61]