NewKerala.com

Key Points

Hong Kong has issued its highest storm warning, T10, as Typhoon Wipha approaches with winds exceeding 118km/h. The typhoon has forced the cancellation of over 500 flights and the Hong Kong Book Fair while disrupting public transport. Authorities warn of violent winds and flooding, urging residents to stay in safe locations. Warming seas are contributing to stronger tropical cyclones, according to experts.

Key Points: Hong Kong Issues T10 Hurricane Signal as Typhoon Wipha Nears

  • T10 signal issued as Typhoon Wipha skirts 50km south of Hong Kong
  • Over 500 flights and Hong Kong Book Fair canceled due to extreme winds
  • Maximum gusts exceed 103km/h with flooding reported in Tai Po Kau
  • 214 people seek shelter as MTR and ferry services remain suspended
2 min read

Hong Kong issues T10 hurricane signal, highest warning for Typhoon Wipha

Hong Kong raises T10 hurricane warning for Typhoon Wipha, cancels flights and Book Fair, urges residents to stay indoors as winds hit 118km/h.

"The typhoon is posing a considerable threat. – Hong Kong Observatory"

Hong Kong, July 20

The Hong Kong Observatory on Sunday issued its highest warning for tropical cyclone Typhoon Wipha which is descending on the city and is "posing a considerable threat."

Authorities have hoisted the T10 signal, which is the highest-level warning, this morning at 9.20 am (local time). It warned that the typhoon would skirt about 50km to the south around noon.

The highest-level warning, means that winds with mean speeds of 118km/h or more are expected. The last No 10 signal was during Super Typhoon Saola in 2023, with the storm causing 86 injuries, landslides and thousands of trees to fall according to local media, including the SCMP and Hong Kong Free Press.

The annual Hong Kong Book Fair and over 500 flights have been cancelled, the local media reported adding that the weather service urged the public to take precautionary measures.

If the eye of the tropical cyclone passes directly over Hong Kong, there may be a temporary lull. The Hong Kong Observatory warns that this lull will be followed by a sudden resumption of violent winds, so residents have been advised to stay in safe places.

The water level rose to about 3 metres above Chart Datum at Tai Po Kau. Maximum gusts exceeding 103 kilometres per hour were recorded at Tate's Cairn, Hong Kong Free Press reported.

The Hainan and Guangdong provinces remained on high alert after the storm brought rain and flooding to the Philippines.

A significant number of flights are cancelled or rescheduled, Xinhua news agency reported.

So far, Wipha has resulted in one reported injury involving a man and reports of uprooted trees, while 214 people have sought refuge in government shelters. As of 9am, the government had opened 34 temporary shelters with 214 people seeking refuge.

Over 500 weekend flights have been cancelled and the Airport Authority said 400 could resume in the afternoon at the earliest after the typhoon moved away from the city.

Several MTR lines will maintain a limited service, although those on open sections including the Light Rail and Airport Express have been suspended. Most ferry and bus services have also been suspended.

According to experts, warming of the seas leads to tropical cyclones.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Climate change is making these storms more intense year after year. Just last month we had Cyclone Remal hitting our eastern coast. Hong Kong's early warning system is impressive though - we should learn from their disaster management.
A
Arjun K
The economic impact will be huge with 500+ flights cancelled. Hong Kong is such an important financial hub. Hope the infrastructure holds up and recovery is swift. Our prayers are with the people there.
M
Michael C
As someone who experienced Typhoon Saola last year, I must say Hong Kong's emergency response is quite efficient. The shelters and public warnings are well organized. Still, nature's fury is terrifying to witness firsthand.
S
Shreya B
The part about the temporary lull is so important! Many people make the mistake of going out when winds calm down, not realizing the danger isn't over. We've seen this happen during cyclones in India too. Stay indoors until authorities give the all-clear!
V
Vikram M
While the coverage is good, I wish media would focus more on how climate change is increasing these extreme weather events. The article mentions warming seas but doesn't connect it strongly enough to human activity. We need more awareness about this global crisis.
K
Kavya N
My cousin lives in Hong Kong and says the city is completely

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50