Crisis in the Skies: Hong Kong & Guangdong Grounded

**By **

**September 1, 2023**


Hong Kong and Guangdong, China, are bracing themselves for the impact of Typhoon Saola as flights are cancelled and businesses shut down in anticipation of the powerful storm. With wind speeds exceeding 200 kph (125 mph), the typhoon poses a significant threat to the region. Chinese authorities have warned that Saola could be among the five strongest typhoons to hit Guangdong since 1949.

### Impacted Flights and Emotional Distress

The flagship carrier of Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific, has cancelled all flights scheduled between 2 p.m. (0600 GMT) on Friday and 10 a.m. (0200 GMT) on Saturday. This cancellation has left more than 100 passengers disappointed, including Ledenila Barizo, a distraught 54-year-old who was unable to attend her daughter’s oath-taking ceremony in the Philippines due to the cancellation. Passengers at the Hong Kong airport expressed their frustration and sadness as they learned about the flight cancellations.

### Worsening Weather Conditions and Record Water Levels

Hong Kong weather officials have warned that the typhoon’s landfall will result in rapidly deteriorating weather conditions, including storm surges of about 3 meters (10 feet) higher than normal tide levels. They anticipate that the maximum water levels could reach a record high, with the potential for the city’s wind signal to be raised to its second-highest level between 6 p.m. (1000 GMT) and 8 p.m. (1200 GMT). This signals the severity of the typhoon’s impact on the region.

### Typhoon Saola and the Threat to Hong Kong

Chinese weather authorities predict that Typhoon Saola will make landfall between the cities of Huidong and Taishan, passing very close to Hong Kong. This proximity to the typhoon’s eye has raised concerns among residents, such as Wai Yi, who expressed her worries about potential casualties. Hong Kong’s eastern part, where Wai Yi resides, is particularly vulnerable, as all schools had shut down on the first day of the term in preparation for the typhoon.

### Other Tropical Cyclones in the Region

Typhoon Saola is one of three tropical cyclones in the Northwest Pacific Ocean and South China Sea. The second cyclone, Haikui, is expected to hit Taiwan’s east coast on Sunday before heading towards China’s Fujian province. The third cyclone, Kirogi, classified as a tropical storm, is the most distant from land.

### Precautionary Measures and Shutdowns

Guangdong has suspended train services from 8 p.m. (1200 GMT) on Friday until 6 p.m. (1000 GMT) on Saturday. The cities of Shenzhen and Guangzhou have also shut down schools, while Shenzhen, a city of over 17 million people, has suspended work, businesses, and financial markets due to the anticipated destructive winds. The airports in Shenzhen and the nearby city of Zhuhai have already cancelled hundreds of flights. As a safety measure, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge connecting the three cities will close on Friday.

In Guangdong, officials at the Taishan nuclear power plant have halted outdoor operations and transferred vulnerable materials, while Macau has raised its wind warning level to the second highest on Friday and to the highest level early on Saturday.

### The Destructive Potential of Typhoons

The impact of typhoons depends on their duration over land. For example, climatologist Shao Sun of the University of California, Irvine, cited the case of Tropical Storm Rumbia in 2018, which lingered for 132 hours over mainland China despite its moderate intensity. This prolonged exposure contributed to the storm’s significant damage.

With Typhoon Saola approaching Hong Kong and Guangdong, residents should take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety. It is important to stay updated on the latest weather advisories and follow any evacuation orders or guidelines issued by local authorities. Being prepared with essential supplies, including food, water, and emergency provisions, is crucial in weathering the impact of the storm.

As the region braces for the onslaught of Typhoon Saola, it is imperative that communities come together to support one another and provide assistance to those in need. The aftermath of a typhoon often requires collective effort and resilience in rebuilding and restoring affected areas.

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* is a current affairs commentator and writer at the New York Times. He specializes in providing analysis on global events, particularly in the Asia Pacific region. Edward is known for his nuanced understanding of political and social issues, offering insightful perspectives to his readers.*