Super Typhoon Yagi approached Hong Kong and Southern China after killing at least 15 people in the Philippines and forced hundreds to escape for safety.
The devastating impact of Yagi in the Philippines has raised concerns about its potential effects on Hong Kong and Southern China. Local authorities have been working tirelessly to prepare for the typhoon's arrival, implementing emergency response plans and mobilizing resources to mitigate potential damage. Residents in coastal areas have been advised to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the latest weather updates.
According to the Hong Kong Observatory, Yagi is traveling towards China's Hainan island and Vietnam, with maximum sustained winds of 205 kilometers per hour near its center.
Meteorologists are closely monitoring the typhoon's trajectory, as its path could have significant implications for the region's infrastructure and economy. The intense wind speeds associated with Yagi have raised concerns about potential damage to buildings, power lines, and transportation networks. Emergency services are on high alert, ready to respond to any crisis situations that may arise as the typhoon makes landfall.
On September 4 evening, the weather bureau issued a storm warning signal 3 - the second-lowest on its five-point scale - and predicted that the weather over Guangdong's coast will deteriorate on September 5 and 6. The observatory stated that it will evaluate the necessity to issue a higher alert.
If the weather office issues a storm signal 8, the third-highest warning, the city's US$5 trillion (S$6.5 trillion) stock market will be closed for at least part of the day. However, it may be the final typhoon to compel a market closure: the financial hub will discontinue its decades-long habit of closing markets during typhoons and significant storms on September 23.
The potential impact on Hong Kong's financial markets has sparked discussions among economists and investors about the broader economic implications of severe weather events. Some experts argue that the city's decision to discontinue market closures during typhoons reflects a growing need to maintain global competitiveness in an increasingly interconnected financial landscape. However, critics worry that this move may prioritize economic interests over public safety and well-being.
On September 5, the city stopped kindergartens and special needs schools, according to a statement from the Hong Kong government. Hong Kong Express Airways, a budget carrier, has cancelled six flights due to the typhoon.
The closure of schools and disruption to air travel highlight the far-reaching effects of Typhoon Yagi on daily life in Hong Kong. Local businesses are bracing for potential losses, while residents are stocking up on essential supplies in preparation for possible power outages and transportation disruptions. Social media platforms have been flooded with images and videos of people securing their homes and properties, underscoring the community's resilience in the face of natural disasters.
At 6 a.m. local time, Yagi was assessed to be around 400 kilometers south-southeast of Hong Kong, and it is expected to move west at 12 kilometers per hour across the northern half of the South China Sea, intensifying further, according to the Hong Kong Observatory.
As Yagi continues its westward trajectory, neighboring countries are also on high alert. Vietnam and Hainan Island are preparing for potential landfall, with local authorities issuing evacuation orders for vulnerable coastal areas. The international community has expressed solidarity with the affected regions, with several countries offering assistance and support in the aftermath of the typhoon. Climate scientists are pointing to Yagi as yet another example of the increasing frequency and intensity of tropical storms, reigniting discussions about the urgent need for global action on climate change.
