Typhoon Wipha unleashed its fury on Hong Kong on July 20, 2025, bringing torrential rain and fierce winds that wreaked havoc across the city. The storm significantly reduced attendance at the Hong Kong Book
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Fair, with around 890,000 visitors—a 10% decline from the previous year—choosing to stay away due to the treacherous conditions.
The storm’s impact on travel was devastating, with hundreds of flights canceled or delayed, leaving around 80,000 travelers affected as operations were disrupted at airports in Hong Kong and nearby cities. The day after the storm, the Hong Kong airport authority announced plans to handle 1,076 flights in an effort to clear the backlog left by Typhoon Wipha.
As local authorities initiated evacuations for hundreds of thousands of residents in vulnerable areas, fears of flooding and landslides surged, particularly in Guangdong province, where the typhoon was expected to cause serious damage. With economic losses estimated at up to HK$2 billion, sectors like retail and transport braced for a significant impact. This storm's wrath extended to neighboring Vietnam, which was preparing for Wipha's impending landfall, showcasing the far-reaching consequences of this fierce weather phenomenon across Southeast Asia.
Q&A (Auto-generated by AI)
What is the history of Typhoon Wipha?
Typhoon Wipha is part of the 2025 Pacific typhoon season and is significant for its impact on regions like Hong Kong, southern China, and Vietnam. It made headlines for causing extensive flight disruptions and flooding, particularly in Hong Kong, where it prompted the highest storm alert. The typhoon's path included severe weather events in Taiwan and the Philippines before reaching southern China.
How do typhoons form and develop?
Typhoons form over warm ocean waters, typically when sea temperatures exceed 26.5 degrees Celsius. They develop from tropical disturbances that gather heat and moisture, leading to a low-pressure system. As warm air rises, it creates a vacuum that draws in more air, forming a cyclone. The Coriolis effect causes the storm to rotate. Typhoons intensify as long as they remain over warm waters and can weaken upon landfall.
What regions are most affected by typhoons?
Typhoons primarily affect East and Southeast Asia, particularly countries like the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, China, and Vietnam. Coastal cities, such as Hong Kong and Guangzhou, are especially vulnerable due to their geographic locations. These regions experience high winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges, leading to flooding and infrastructural damage.
What safety measures are in place during typhoons?
Safety measures during typhoons include issuing early warnings, evacuating vulnerable areas, and closing schools and businesses. Authorities often implement emergency protocols, such as setting up shelters and providing resources for those displaced. In Hong Kong, the government activates the No. 8 or No. 10 storm signal, indicating severe weather, prompting residents to take precautions.
How do typhoons impact local economies?
Typhoons can severely disrupt local economies by damaging infrastructure, halting businesses, and leading to flight cancellations. For example, Typhoon Wipha caused significant financial losses in Hong Kong's retail and transport sectors, with estimates reaching HK$2 billion. Recovery efforts often strain local resources and can take months or years, affecting long-term economic stability.
