Hong Kong Issues No 8 Typhoon Warning Over Storm Nalgae

Hong Kong made 50-year history this week when weather authorities classified Tropical Storm Nalgae as a No 8 Typhoon. The category hasn’t been issued in November since 1972, and already classes and ferry services are being suspended. 

Nalgae has already caused chaos over the past seven days, with more than 1 million people affected in the Philippines. The nation saw stormy weather across large parts of the country, with floods damaging 4100 houses and 40,180 acres of crops. 

As for transportation, some roads were left impassable and nearly 200 domestic flights were cancelled with Manila’s international airport briefly closed. Whether the same level of disruption will hit Hong Kong remains to be seen. 

Floods and mudslides 

At least 98 people have already lost their lives to the storm, with dozens more still missing in mudslide-hit villages. And despite the storm now making its way across the South China Sea, rescue efforts remain ongoing. 

Nalgae is the most destructive storm to hit the Philippines this year, and the human cost has alarmed disaster-mitigation officials across the country. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. spoke at the weekend, expressing disappointment to viewers that the relevant authorities couldn’t anticipate water levels or warn people. 

Given the mountainous terrain of the southern Philippines it is unlikely that Nalgae will have the same impact in Hong Kong. But the scale of the storm has officials understandably concerned. 

Trading scrapped 

In preparation, Hong Kong closed its $4 trillion stock market, despite being on a day when the city hosted a top-level summit for global bankers. The summit was hailed as a symbol of Hong Kong’ reopening amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Perhaps significantly, it went ahead while vaccination services were suspended due to bad weather conditions. 

But inoculation centres weren’t the only organisations closing their shutters. Happy Valley Racecourse, Hong Kong Disneyland, and West Kowloon Cultural District’s M+ and Palace museums were also closed. 

Winds are expected to rise as the day progresses, but already we’ve seen a 10-metre tree in Mong Kok uprooted, crushing a lamppost and crashing into a building. Roads are likely to be impacted, so carriers should prepare for delays for the rest of the week. 

Stay alert 

Right now, the impact on supply chains is still unknown but businesses should manage their expectations and the expectations of clients when it comes to deliveries. Typhoons of this scale are certain to cause disruption in the short-term. 

If you believe you may be impacted by Nalgae, or you need support with other aspects of your logistics setup, speak to the team today by filling out our contact form.