The Hong Kong government on Friday ordered the administration to prepare for “the worst possible scenario” before the proximity of the Saola super typhoon, and announced the suspension of its stock market and the closure of schools and some businesses starting Friday.
The head of the Hong Kong Executive, John Lee, reported through his social networks that he has requested the relevant authorities to plan ahead and prepare for the anticipated emergency.
“I have reminded all units to be extremely aware of a crisis and plan ahead for the worst possible scenario,” he declared.
Meanwhile, near Hong Kong… #Saola pic.twitter.com/XFo2fQ8iRB
— Zoom Earth (@zoom_earth) August 30, 2023
Subsequently, the secretary general of the former colony, Eric Chan Kwok-ki, He confirmed in a press conference the interruption of classes and the remaining measures approved due to the arrival of the storm.
Following the authorities’ announcement, residents flocked to supermarkets, where there were long lines of carts packed with groceries.
Saola, which has already hit the northern Philippines, threatens to become the biggest typhoon to hit Hong Kong since the Mangkhut ravaged the city five years ago, leaving roads blocked, buildings damaged and suburbs flooded.
Surreal scenario, happening now: intact, extremely powerful Category 4 Typhoon #Saola 🦄 heading straight towards one of the most densely populated and urbanized regions in the world, the Pearl River Delta Metropolitan Region 🤯 pic.twitter.com/eJQM1jNNM5
— Minghao Zhou (@Minghao_Zhou) September 1, 2023
The tropical cyclone will move west-northwest at about 10 km/h over the northeastern South China Sea and toward the eastern coast of Guangdong, on the Chinese mainland.
According to the Weather Observatory, the Saola will make landfall along the coast at some point between the mainland province of Guangdong and Hong Kong between the afternoon and evening of September 1.
According to the official body, If it maintains the predicted intensity, this typhoon could be among the five strongest to have made landfall in Guangzhou since 1949.
The passage of Super Typhoon Saola through the northern tip of the Philippines early Wednesday forced the evacuation of at least 48,000 people and caused extensive damage after several rivers overflowed.
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