Hong Kong Braces for Typhoon Wipha, Triggers No 10 Warning
Hong Kong was brought to a standstill on Sunday as it braced for Severe Tropical Storm Wipha, with the Hong Kong Observatory issuing a No 10 hurricane signal, the highest level of warning. The storm disrupted flights, public transport, and caused significant damage as it moved towards mainland China.
Context and Preparation
As the storm edged closer to the city, the Observatory initially suggested that it could issue a No 8 typhoon signal in the early hours of Sunday. It later escalated rapidly to a No 9 signal at 7:20 am, and by noon, the city was under the first No 10 hurricane signal in two years. The last time a No 10 situation hit the city was in 2023, when Super Typhoon Saola caused 86 injuries.
In preparation for the storm, authorities cancelled school classes and grounded hundreds of flights. Local labour laws, which entitle domestic helpers to at least one rest day in every seven-day period, were also reinforced, ensuring that employers could not compel them to work during the severe weather conditions.
Typhoon Wipha's Impact
Typhoon Wipha, accompanied by intense rain and wind, resulted in dramatic incidents across the city. A speedboat in Hong Kong’s Causeway Bay typhoon shelter caught fire, with the blaze spreading to two nearby vessels. Five individuals were rescued by emergency services, all of whom were uninjured and did not require hospital treatment.
Despite the hazardous conditions, a surfing coach caused controversy by boasting about riding waves during the storm, a move criticized as absolutely ridiculous
by local surfers.
Repercussions and Recovery
The storm had far-reaching impacts, causing the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people in southern China and the cancellation of flights and trains. At its peak, Hong Kong airport grappled with a backlog of 500 cancelled flights affecting around 100,000 passengers.
Despite the weather conditions, many businesses and workers continued their operations. Some restaurants remained open, supported by limited rail services. However, as the typhoon moved away from the city and weakened, flights were slowly being rescheduled.
Currently, Hong Kong is gradually returning to normalcy, having largely survived Typhoon Wipha. The tropical cyclone left dozens injured, hundreds of trees toppled, and tens of thousands of travellers dealing with cancellations.
The Future of Storm Predictions
In an effort to improve the accuracy of storm predictions, the Hong Kong Observatory has begun to incorporate artificial intelligence into its forecasting processes. By analyzing global weather data from the past four decades, the Observatory aims to better predict the paths of tropical cyclones, reducing the potential damage they may cause.
Hong Kong's battle with Typhoon Wipha underscores the importance of such technological advancements, and the city's resilience in the face of nature's fury.