Hong Kong issues highest level warning as Typhoon Wipha approaches

The Hong Kong Observatory issued a level 10 warning, the highest level of warning, as Typhoon 'Wipha' approaches with expected wind speeds exceeding 118 kilometers per hour.

The warning was issued at 9:20 am local time (0120 GMT), and the typhoon is expected to be closer to Hong Kong in the next two hours, with the warning continuing for an unspecified period of time.

Due to the severe storm, many public services and activities in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have been suspended, in addition to the cancellation and rescheduling of a large number of flights, as reported by the Xinhua News Agency.

As a precautionary measure, the Hong Kong government's Home Affairs Department has opened temporary shelters to accommodate those in need, while authorities have warned residents to stay away from the coasts during the severe weather period, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and their safety.

It is worth noting that this level 10 warning is not the first of its kind, as a similar warning was issued in September 2023 under the influence of the giant Typhoon 'Saula', reflecting the severity of the weather phenomena facing the region.