The SUN HK : Residents stock up on food as govt poised to hoist T8

31 August 2023

Supermarkets were mostly empty by late afternoon today

Residents rushed to empty shelves in supermarkets this afternoon after T3 signal was raised, and weather forecasters said it would be upgraded to T8 early tomorrow, hours before Super Typhoon Saola is expected to come closest to Hong Kong.

At an interdepartmental meeting called later on Thursday, the Hong Kong Observatory also said issuing a T10 signal was “possible” in line with the forecast of up to hurricane force winds blowing offshore and on high ground tomorrow.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE!

This means that the wind speed could reach 118 km per hour or above, and gusts may exceed 220 km per hour.

The Observatory Director Chan Pak-wai said Saola will be closest to the city from Friday night until Saturday morning, and warned that it could cause damage comparable to that wrought by super strong typhoons Mangkhut and Hato.

Because of intermittent rain and dark clouds, the much-anticipated Super Blue Moon that was forecast to rise over Hong Kong just before 7pm tonight was a no-show.

The Super Blue Moon was a no-show as dark clouds covered the sky

Earlier today, the Education Bureau announced that classes in all school levels will be suspended on Friday as a precaution.

At the same time, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki urged residents to take all necessary steps to protect themselves against Saola’s wrath.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

Chan also urged employers to have regard for their employees’ safety during the typhoon, and adopt a flexible approach in requiring them to go to work.

He added that preparations were underway to evacuate residents in low-lying areas.

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The government pronouncements prompted residents to rush to markets and groceries to stock up on food and other supplies.

By early afternoon, most supermarket shelves were cleared of vegetables, noodles and other basic necessities, and residents began preparing to hunker down in preparation for Saola’s onslaught.

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The super typhoon has caused widespread flooding and school closures in the Philippines and travel cancellations in Taiwan, but no deaths or injuries have been reported.

Any enquiries about the typhoon, including the locations of 29 temporary typhoon shelters that were opened starting at 8pm tonight, may be directed to the Home Affairs Department through its emergency hotline, 2572 8427.