Hong Kong on high alert as typhoon Wipha strikes

Hong Kong raised its storm warning to the highest level on Sunday as typhoon Wipha swept past the region, bringing powerful winds, heavy rain, and widespread disruption to transport and public services.

The Hong Kong Observatory hoisted the No. 10 hurricane signal, the region's top-level tropical cyclone warning, at 09:20 local time on Sunday, as typhoon Wipha approached the region from the south.

This warning level indicates sustained winds of 118 kilometers per hour or higher, with gusts potentially exceeding 220 kilometers per hour. In the hours following the issuance, widespread parts of Hong Kong experienced intense wind and rain, with many outdoor areas exposed to gale-force conditions.

Coastal roads saw trees and branches toppled by strong gusts, while rough seas churned violently offshore. On the streets, traffic came to a near standstill, with barely any vehicles or pedestrians in sight.

All daytime classes and public schools were suspended. Ferry terminals were closed, and the Hong Kong Airport Authority reported that approximately 500 flights had been canceled, while around 400 others were rescheduled, affecting over 80,000 travelers.

The storm, although beginning to move away, continues to bring hurricane conditions to parts of Hong Kong, particularly the southwestern districts. As wind intensity gradually weakens in Hong Kong, a No. 8 gale or storm signal was issued at 16:10.

Authorities have warned the public to stay indoors, remain vigilant, and avoid low-lying or mountainous areas that may be prone to flooding or landslides.

Hong Kong on high alert as typhoon Wipha strikes

Hong Kong on high alert as typhoon Wipha strikes

Hong Kong on high alert as typhoon Wipha strikes

Hong Kong on high alert as typhoon Wipha strikes

Hong Kong on high alert as typhoon Wipha strikes

Hong Kong on high alert as typhoon Wipha strikes

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Thursday presided over a State Council executive meeting that studied work on building a unified national market and reviewed and approved a plan for the development of a modern emergency response system during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).

Noting that building a unified national market is essential to advancing high-quality development, the meeting called for deepening institutional frameworks in areas such as property rights protection, market access, fair competition, social credit and market exit mechanisms.

The meeting also urged efforts to advance high-standard connectivity of market infrastructure to facilitate smooth economic circulation and effectively reduce logistics costs across society.

Emergency management is critical to protecting people's lives and property, the meeting said. It called for accelerating the development of a modern emergency response system, deepening reform and innovation in emergency management, and improving coordinated response mechanisms.

Efforts should be made to strengthen risk prevention at the source, enhance monitoring, forecasting and early warning, and accelerate a shift in governance toward proactive prevention, according to the meeting.

A draft revision of the Law on the People's Bank of China was also discussed and approved in principle at the meeting, which decided to submit the draft to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for deliberation.

Chinese premier chairs State Council executive meeting