Typhoon Wipha has brought widespread disruption to Hong Kong and Southern China, impacting travel, daily life, and causing evacuations. The typhoon, named Wipha which means "splendour" in Thai, made landfall on Sunday in Taishan city, Guangdong province, China, after battering Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Grapples with Disruption
Hong Kong experienced high winds and heavy rain, leading the Hong Kong Observatory to issue its highest warning signal, No. 10, for nearly seven hours. The storm's eye passed just south of the city, with maximum sustained winds reaching 140 kph (87 mph). While there were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries, the typhoon caused significant disruptions.
- Transportation Chaos: Approximately 500 flights were canceled, affecting an estimated 80,000 travelers. Cathay Pacific Airways canceled all flights in and out of Hong Kong airport between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday. Most public transport was suspended, including ferries, due to high sea swells. High-speed rail services were also halted.
- Public Safety Measures: The government reported that 26 people sought treatment at public hospitals, while 253 sought refuge in shelters. Over 471 reports of fallen trees were received. In North Point, scaffolding was dislodged from a residential building. The Home Affairs Department opened temporary shelters for those in need.
- Closures and Precautions: Hong Kong Disneyland and other amusement parks were closed. Residents were urged to stay away from the shoreline and avoid water sports.
Southern China on High Alert
Typhoon Wipha also impacted mainland China, particularly the southern provinces of Guangdong and Hainan.
- Guangdong Province: Wipha made landfall in Guangdong province, with the city of Zhuhai raising its typhoon alert to red. School classes, transportation, and business activities were suspended in Zhuhai, with residents urged to remain indoors. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge was temporarily closed. Around 5:55 PM (0955 GMT), after making landfall, Wipha weakened to a severe tropical storm, with winds of 30 meters per second.
- Hainan Province: Hainan raised its emergency response for flood and typhoon control. The maritime authority carried out inspections and maintained real-time vessel monitoring. Haikou, the provincial capital, readied emergency plans for vegetable reserves to ensure market supply.
- Evacuations: In Guangdong, over 440,000 people were evacuated from land and sea areas. Across Guangdong and Guangxi, emergency warnings were issued. Around 280,000 people were evacuated in Guangdong ahead of the typhoon's landfall.
Regional Impact
Prior to reaching Hong Kong and mainland China, Wipha passed over the Philippines and Taiwan.
- Philippines: As a tropical storm, Wipha intensified seasonal monsoon rains in the Philippines, resulting in flooding and landslides. One person was reported dead, and over 370,000 people were affected, with 43,000 seeking shelter. More than 400 houses were damaged.
- Taiwan: Wipha brought heavy rain and strong winds to Taiwan, leading to flight and ferry cancellations.
Looking Ahead
While the typhoon has weakened after making landfall, authorities remain vigilant. The Hong Kong Observatory has lowered the typhoon signal but continues to monitor the situation. Flights are gradually resuming at Hong Kong International Airport. Wipha is expected to continue moving westward, potentially reaching Vietnam later in the week.
