Typhoon Knocks Out Power to Some Homes in Shanghai as It Weakens Inland

A public employee works on a flooded street as heavy wind and rain from Typhoon Bebinca hit Shanghai, China, 16 September 2024. (EPA)
A public employee works on a flooded street as heavy wind and rain from Typhoon Bebinca hit Shanghai, China, 16 September 2024. (EPA)
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Typhoon Knocks Out Power to Some Homes in Shanghai as It Weakens Inland

A public employee works on a flooded street as heavy wind and rain from Typhoon Bebinca hit Shanghai, China, 16 September 2024. (EPA)
A public employee works on a flooded street as heavy wind and rain from Typhoon Bebinca hit Shanghai, China, 16 September 2024. (EPA)

The strongest typhoon to hit Shanghai since at least 1949 knocked out power to some homes and injured at least one person as it swept over the financial hub Monday.

More than 414,000 people had been evacuated by Monday ahead of the powerful winds and torrential rain. Schools were closed and people were advised to stay indoors. More than 60,000 emergency responders and firefighters were at hand to lend aid in Shanghai, according to state media.

Flights, ferries and train services were suspended in Shanghai and in neighboring provinces, disrupting travel during China’s three-day Mid-Autumn Festival. Shanghai’s airports canceled more than 1,400 flights starting Sunday and through Monday, while in Hangzhou, about 170 kilometers (106 miles) southwest of Shanghai, authorities also canceled more than 180 flights.

Typhoon Bebinca made landfall around 7:30 a.m. in the sprawling Pudong business district with winds of 151 kph (94 mph) near its center. It weakened as it moved inland, dousing parts of Jiangsu, Anhui and Zhejiang provinces.

The winds uprooted or damaged more than 10,000 trees, knocked out power for at least 380 households, damaged four houses and injured at least one person, according to state media reports. It was unclear how or where the person was injured.

At least 53 hectares (132 acres) of farmland were flooded.

Weather authorities expected Shanghai and parts of neighboring provinces to receive up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) of rainfall between Monday and Wednesday.

Shanghai, which has 25 million people, is rarely hit by strong typhoons, which usually make landfall further south in China.

Typhoon Yagi hit China’s southern Hainan island earlier this month and has caused devastation in Southeast Asia. In Myanmar, Yagi caused at least 74 deaths with dozens missing. Four deaths were reported in Hainan, at least 10 have died in Thailand and 20 in the Philippines.

Vietnam has reported more than 230 people killed in the typhoon and subsequent flooding and landslides, with dozens more still missing.



Fourth Edition of Noor Riyadh to Start on November 28

Fourth Edition of Noor Riyadh to Start on November 28
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Fourth Edition of Noor Riyadh to Start on November 28

Fourth Edition of Noor Riyadh to Start on November 28

The fourth edition of Noor Riyadh, the annual citywide festival celebrating light and art, will take place from November 28 to December 14, 2024, and will transform Riyadh into a luminous gallery with over 60 light-based artworks by leading Saudi and international artists, SPA reported.
Under the theme "Light Years Apart", this 17-day festival will illuminate key locations across the city, showcasing public art displays alongside workshops, seminars and community-driven events.
Noor Riyadh is part of the Riyadh Art Program, one of the four Grand Projects launched by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
The program, managed by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, aims to establish the Saudi capital as a gallery without walls, blending tradition with modernity, and improving the quality of life of its residents and visitors.
Minister of Culture, member of the Board of Directors of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, and Chairman of the Riyadh Art Program’s Steering Committee Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud said: "Noor Riyadh is an annual creative platform that showcases inspiring light artworks by leading artists from around the world. As part of Saudi Vision 2030, this festival enhances Riyadh’s cultural landscape and continues to build the city’s reputation as a global hub for creativity and the arts."
Prince Badr also highlighted the support and patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, which continue to drive the success of Noor Riyadh, and are part of a broader commitment to cultural and artistic programs across the Kingdom, to position Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the global art scene.
Noor Riyadh will be directed by a reputable team of local and international art curators experienced in some of the world’s most prestigious art festivals and exhibitions.
Leading this year's curatorial efforts are renowned international curator Dr. Alfredo Cramerotti, and prominent Saudi curator Dr. Effat Abdullah Faddag.
This year's edition will once again illuminate Riyadh’s skyline with a broad range of artistic light displays, creating an inspiring atmosphere for art and culture enthusiasts from all segments of society.