Here's the Hong Kong observatory's actual Tropical Cyclone position and track of Megi:
And the Hong Kong Government's "unprecedented press conference to ram home the dangers" certainly got the media and Hong Kong public worried.
Does this government posturing remind anyone of precautions of similar scale, such as when SARS or bird flu or some other "Asian contagion" broke?
Granted when Megi was a super typhoon earlier this week, 27 people were killed in the Philippines which is probably why government officials were nervous. However, since it appears storm-related damage will affect places like Fujian province and Taiwan more significantly than Hong Kong, let's hope the relevant government authorities in such places will have taken necessary precautions.
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So do you get a day(s) off if a typhoon comes close?
ReplyDeleteYes, if the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) issues a number 8 (or higher) warning signal, then Hong Kong is supposed to be at a standstill. Generally this means outside office hours everyone stays at home and during office hours everyone rushes home. In reality, it means every local Hongkonger madly rushes to the supermarket to stock up on instant noodles.
ReplyDeleteMore info about the warning signals can be found here at HKO
IMHO, the Hong Kong Observatory is notorious for being reluctant to issue warning signals that require Hong Kong to shut down. They are likely to be under enormous pressure from government and big business to either delay or to overlook issuing warning signals such as black rainstorms and number 8 (or higher) typhoon signals … unless they have absolutely no choice.
Hmm, can't them pesky workers having days off!!! But if someone dies and there was no warning...
ReplyDeleteMy cousin lived there for a year with her kids, and a few times the kids (11 and 9) nearly got blown away coming home. They were living next to the harbor, but still, yikes