Mass Evacuations and Flight Cancellations as Typhoon Saola Nears Hong Kong and Guangdong

As Typhoon Saola continues to approach the Asian financial hub of Hong Kong and the Chinese province of Guangdong, authorities have taken precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the public. Nearly 800,000 people have been evacuated, while hundreds of flights have been cancelled. The powerful typhoon, with windspeeds of around 200 kph, is expected to make landfall late on Friday or early on Saturday in Guangdong. The authorities have warned that Saola could be among the five strongest storms to hit the province since 1949. In Hong Kong, the effects of the typhoon are being felt strongly.

Approximately 460 flights have been cancelled, leaving hundreds of people stranded at airports. Cathay Pacific, the city's flagship carrier, has stated that all flights to and from Hong Kong between Friday and Saturday morning have been cancelled. The start of the school year in Hong Kong has also been postponed, and trading in the stock market has been suspended. Furthermore, rail services in the region have been suspended, with no trains allowed to enter or leave the province from Friday night until Saturday evening. The Hong Kong observatory has issued a No. 9 storm signal, the second-highest warning under the city's weather system. There are concerns that this alert could be upgraded to a No. 10 storm signal if the winds gain strength.

The last time a No. 10 hurricane warning was issued in the city was in 2018 during Super Typhoon Mangkhut. The observatory has also warned of the potential for serious flooding in coastal areas, with storm surges expected to be about 10 feet higher than normal tide. Weather conditions are expected to deteriorate further as the typhoon makes landfall. Heavy rain and violent winds are predicted, with the city's water level expected to rise significantly.

In nearby Macao, a flood warning has been issued, with water levels anticipated to reach 1.5 meters (5 feet) in low-lying areas. The cross-border bridge connecting Hong Kong, Macao, and Zhuhai has been closed. Shenzhen, another nearby city, has suspended work, businesses, and financial markets. Saola has already caused disruption in Taiwan and the Philippines, displacing tens of thousands of people due to flooding. As the typhoon continues to approach mainland China, authorities are urging residents to take necessary precautions and stay updated on the latest developments.