Hong Kong issues top typhoon warning as Wipha nears

HONG KONG, July 20 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong Observatory issued hurricane signal No. 10, the top level warning, under the effect of typhoon Wipha at 9:20 a.m. local time on Sunday.

This means that winds with speeds of 118 km per hour or more are expected. Wipha will be closest to Hong Kong in the next couple of hours. The hurricane signal No. 10 is expected to remain in force for some time.

Due to the storm, many public services and activities in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) have been suspended.

A significant number of flights are cancelled or rescheduled.

The Home Affairs Department of the HKSAR government has opened temporary shelters for needy people.

People have been urged to stay away from the shoreline during inclement weather.

The previous typhoon signal No. 10 was issued under the effect of super typhoon Saola in September 2023.■