Wipha, which is a Thai name, passed over the Philippines at tropical storm strength and drenched parts of Taiwan on Saturday, July 19. Names for typhoons in the western Pacific are chosen by the countries in the region.
1 / 8Severe Weather Hits Key Southern Cities | Typhoon Wipha swept across the southern coast of China on Sunday, July 20, bringing heavy rain and strong winds that disrupted daily life in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Macao. (Image: Reuters)
2 / 8Major Flight Cancellations at Regional Airports | Airports in Hong Kong and neighbouring cities suspended all daytime flights, the Associated Press (AP) reported. Airlines, including Cathay Pacific, cancelled hundreds of services as safety concerns mounted. (Image: Reuters)
3 / 8Highest Storm Signal Declared in Hong Kong | Hong Kong raised its strongest storm signal – No. 10 -at 9:20 am (0120 GMT) as Typhoon Wipha swept just 50 km south of the city. According to Reuters, wind speeds surged past 167 km/h in some areas. The Hong Kong Observatory warned the signal was likely to stay in force “for some time.” (Image: Reuters)
4 / 8Public Shelter Usage Rises | Authorities reported that more than 200 people had moved into public shelters. Fallen trees were reported citywide, and major attractions like Disneyland remained shut. (Image: Reuters)
5 / 8Philippines Reports Flooding and Casualties | As Wipha intensified monsoon rains, flooding and landslides affected over 370,000 people in the Philippines. At least one fatality was reported in Cagayan province. More than 400 houses were damaged in the onslaught, AP reported citing officials. (Image: AP)
6 / 8Vietnam Monitors Wipha’s Westward Path | The typhoon is expected to make landfall near Zhuhai and Macao before moving further west towards Vietnam, prompting local authorities to prepare for possible impact. (Image: Reuters)
7 / 8Cathay Pacific Offers Waivers and Rebooking Options | In response to the typhoon, Cathay Pacific halted all flights into and out of Hong Kong between 5 am and 6 pm, offering flexible ticket changes for affected passengers, Reuters reported.
8 / 8Public Transport and Ferry Services Suspended | Most public transport, including ferries, was brought to a stop as high waves and dangerous winds hit coastal areas. Authorities advised residents to remain indoors. (Image: Reuters)
