Super Typhoon Saola Approaches China, Prompting Flight Cancellations and Business Closures

Super Typhoon Saola Approaches Mainland China, Causing Flight Cancellations and Business Closures

HONG KONG, Sept 1 (Reuters) – As Super Typhoon Saola moves closer to the mainland, hundreds of flights have been cancelled in China’s Guangdong province and Hong Kong. Authorities have raised a strong storm advisory, leading to the closure of businesses, schools, and financial markets.

The northwest Pacific Ocean and South China Sea have seen the formation of three tropical cyclones, with Saola and Haikui already classified as typhoons. Kirogi, the most distant from land, is still categorized as a tropical storm, according to weather forecasters.

Saola, with winds exceeding 200 kph (125 mph), is heading towards the coast of eastern Guangdong, which includes Hong Kong. Chinese authorities have warned that it could be one of the five strongest typhoons to hit Guangdong since 1949.

China’s National Meteorological Centre has issued its highest typhoon warning, stating that Saola could make landfall as a severe typhoon along the coast from Huidong to Taishan in Guangdong. Hong Kong and neighboring Macau are located in the center of this coastline.

The Hong Kong observatory has warned that weather conditions could rapidly deteriorate as the typhoon approaches, and they are considering the need to issue higher cyclone warning signals later on Friday.

Hong Kong currently has Signal 8 in force, which is one of the five rankings for typhoons in the city. As a result, all schools in Hong Kong will be closed on Friday, despite it being the first day of term for many students.

Nearby cities Shenzhen and Guangzhou have also closed schools, with Shenzhen going a step further by suspending work, businesses, and financial markets from Friday afternoon.

In anticipation of the storm, crowds were seen jostling at fresh food markets in downtown Wan Chai district in Hong Kong on Thursday, with many vegetables already sold out. Supermarkets also experienced long queues as people stocked up ahead of the typhoon.

The Hong Kong observatory has predicted heavy rain and violent winds, with the city’s water level expected to rise significantly until Saturday, potentially leading to serious flooding.

Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s flagship carrier, has announced the cancellation of all flights in and out of Hong Kong between 2 p.m. (0600 GMT) on Friday and 10 a.m. (0200 GMT) on Saturday. Further flight delays and cancellations may be necessary depending on the typhoon’s path on Saturday morning.

By 10:55 a.m. (0255 GMT) on Friday, Zhuhai and Shenzhen airports had already cancelled hundreds of flights, according to data from Flight Master.

To ensure transport safety, Guangdong authorities have suspended all trains in and out of the province from 8 p.m. (1200 GMT) on Friday to 6 p.m. (1000 GMT) on Saturday.

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, which connects the three cities, will be closed from 3:30 p.m. (0730 GMT) on Friday. The local Southern Metropolis Daily reported that the date for the bridge’s reopening has not been announced.

Macau’s Weather Observatory has announced that it will raise its wind warning level to Signal 8 between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Friday. It expects to raise it to the highest Signal 10 early on Saturday morning.

Meanwhile, Typhoon Haikui is approaching Taiwan and is expected to make landfall on the northern part of the island on Sunday before heading towards the southeastern Chinese city of Fuzhou, according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau.

Reporting by Farah Master in Hong Kong, Bernard Orr, Ryan Woo, and Ethan Wang in Beijing; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Taipei; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Raju Gopalakrishnan

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

What measures has the Chinese government taken to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the wake of Typhoon Saola and the previous typhoons?

Ct of Hong Kong, with many residents stocking up on supplies such as bottled water, non-perishable food items, and batteries. The city’s consumer council has also advised residents to secure their homes and take precautions against possible flooding and strong winds.

In Guangdong, authorities have ordered the evacuation of over 200,000 people from low-lying areas and deployed rescue teams and emergency supplies. The government is also urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

Flights at Hong Kong International Airport have been severely affected, with over 500 departures and arrivals cancelled. Airlines have issued travel advisories and are allowing passengers to rebook or refund their tickets free of charge.

The impact on businesses is also significant, with many shops and offices closed in anticipation of the typhoon. The closure of financial markets is expected to have a direct impact on trading and could lead to potential losses for businesses.

Saola is the third major typhoon to hit the region in a week, following in the wake of Typhoon Mawar and Typhoon Pakhar. These consecutive storms have taken a toll on the region, causing widespread flooding, landslides, and damage to infrastructure.

The Chinese government has been criticized for its response to the recent typhoons, with some residents accusing authorities of being slow to provide aid and assistance. This has led to calls for improved disaster preparedness and response mechanisms in the affected areas.

As Super Typhoon Saola approaches mainland China, residents and authorities are on high alert, taking necessary precautions and bracing for the impact. With the potential for severe weather conditions and the risk of damage, it is crucial for individuals and communities to prioritize their safety and be prepared for the worst.