Super Typhoon Saola: Hong Kong and Guangdong Prepare for Impact
Typhoon Saola: A Force to Reckon With
With wind speeds reaching approximately 200 kph (125 mph), Typhoon Saola is categorized as a super typhoon. The authorities have issued warnings that it could make landfall late on Friday or early Saturday in Guangdong. This storm is on track to become one of the five strongest typhoons to strike the province since 1949.
Evacuations Underway
In response to the looming threat, authorities have taken swift action. Across Guangdong, nearly 800,000 people have been evacuated from high-risk areas. Additionally, 13 cities have postponed the start of the school term, prioritizing the safety of students and residents.
Hong Kong's Battle Against Saola
Hong Kong, a bustling metropolis with a population of 7.5 million, finds itself directly in Saola's path. The city has raised its hurricane warning to the highest level, resulting in the cancellation of approximately 460 flights. Over 300 travelers are currently stranded at the airport, facing significant disruptions to their plans.
Weather Woes
Hong Kong's weather officials predict a rapid deterioration in conditions as Saola makes landfall. Storm surges of about 3 meters (10 feet) higher than the normal tide are anticipated, with maximum water levels expected to reach historic highs.
The Wider Impact
Saola is not the only tropical cyclone threatening the region. Haikui is approaching Taiwan, with its sights set on Taiwan before making its way to China's Fujian province. Meanwhile, Kirogi, although more distant from land, remains classified as a tropical storm.
Disruptions Across the Board
The impending storm has prompted extensive disruptions. Train services in Guangdong have been suspended until Saturday evening, affecting countless commuters. Approximately 85,000 fishing boats operating off the coast of Guangdong have returned to port to ride out the storm.
Shenzhen Shuts Down
Shenzhen, a city of more than 17 million people, has taken a proactive approach, suspending work, businesses, and financial markets from Friday afternoon. Destructive winds are expected to lash the city throughout Saturday.
Impact on Infrastructure
As a precautionary measure, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge, connecting these three cities, was closed on Friday. Officials at the Taishan nuclear power plant in Guangdong have halted outdoor operations and moved vulnerable materials, with emergency staff on standby.
Wider Geographic Impact
North of Guangdong on the coast, the province of Fujian has evacuated 161,600 people. In Macau, the gambling hub, all casinos will temporarily close from 11 p.m. on Friday until further notice, a significant setback as they were just recovering from the COVID-induced disruptions.
Saola's Intensity
While small in size, Typhoon Saola boasts considerable intensity, as reported by Chinese meteorologists. The impact of typhoons often hinges on the duration they linger over land, as exemplified by Tropical Storm Rumbia in 2018, which, despite its moderate intensity, caused extensive damage due to its extended presence over mainland China.
As Typhoon Saola approaches, Hong Kong, Guangdong, and neighboring regions are bracing themselves for its potentially devastating effects. With thorough preparations and timely evacuations, authorities aim to minimize the impact of this formidable natural disaster. Stay tuned for updates on this developing situation.