By Salonee Kulkarni
Schools and businesses had to shut down in Hong Kong on Monday due to Tropical Storm Tapah. Financial hubs were affected, and flights were cancelled. The winds grew really harsh and started destroying the areas within 170km radius.
Destruction has not been widely reported. No reports of floods or landslides have been documented yet. Ferries, buses and trams could not work in harsh conditions. The railway system in Hong Kong was working at longer intervals.
The education bureau emphasised that schools will be shut. The weather conditions are currently monitored. If the Typhoon Eight signal shows a low score, businesses can reopen. The recording of the signals would go on till 11AM, as stated by The Hong Kong observatory.
Lantau Island is the city’s international airport, which recorded sustained winds at 101kph, and the gust winds were recorded at 151kph.
At 4:55 am, the Amber Rainstrom Signals were recorded by authorities. The records showed a dip in levels, indicating weather improvements in terms of harsh winds.
The observatory further cautioned the residents of China’s southern Guangdong province by reporting a landfall by Tapah over Taishan. The storm may affect areas close to Hong Kong. Citizens are expected to stay vigilant and follow the mandates drafted by the government in a disaster crisis.
Citizens are urged to stay at home or seek shelter at a safe space. Regions prone to flooding should be avoided. Citizens must avoid travelling to certain places. During times of crisis, government buildings will serve as temporary shelters. Citizens affected can seek refuge.
The disaster reported in Hong Kong can be attributed to the climate crisis. Seas are getting warmer due to excessive heat in the atmosphere, which is trapped in the sea. The greenhouse gases prevent the escape of the heat to space. The warmth of the ocean water is the reason behind the destructive Tropical Cyclone reported.