200 Flights Cancelled as Typhoon Hits Hong Kong

Hong Kong has issued its highest storm warning as Typhoon Wipha nears the southern coast of China, causing widespread disruption across the city.

The Observatory raised the alert level to T10 on Sunday morning, indicating the threat of sustained hurricane-force winds exceeding 118 km/h.

According to the Hong Kong Observatory, Typhoon Wipha was located approximately 60 kilometers southeast of the city and continues to intensify as it approaches the Guangdong coastline.

The storm is expected to pass within 50 kilometers south of Hong Kong later in the day, posing a significant threat to the financial hub.

In response, the government has suspended all kindergarten and school activities, limited train services, and closed public facilities. Authorities have also confirmed the cancellation of nearly 500 flights at Hong Kong International Airport due to severe weather conditions.

Airport officials anticipate around 400 additional flights to operate later in the day, depending on evolving conditions.

More than 200 residents have taken shelter in government-operated emergency centers, while strong waves were reported off the coast of Heng Fa Chuen in eastern Hong Kong Island. Local media also reported over ten incidents involving fallen trees, and emergency services remain on high alert.

Mainland China has also issued warnings, with the provinces of Hainan and Guangdong placed on standby. This marks the first time since Typhoon Saola in 2023 that Hong Kong has activated the T10 warning level.