Hong Kong's warm climate and coastal location mean it has seen many typhoons over the years. Some don't harm the city, but others are more destructive. Let's take a look at four of the worst typhoons to have hit us.
Typhoon Wanda
Wanda caused havoc on August 27, 1962. Because of its destructive power, it is one of the most famous typhoons in the city's history.
Wind gusts of more than 260km/h came with a high tide, causing a massive storm surge. Rain drenched the city: 1,500 million gallons of water fell into our reservoirs in less than 48 hours!
Wooden houses were destroyed. The strong winds and high tide destroyed fishing boats too. Flooding happened in Sha Tin, Tai Po and Sha Tau Kok. The number of casualties is not known, but around 72,000 people were left homeless.
Typhoon Rose
Rose made its way to Hong Kong on August 10, 1971. Rose had winds of up to 165km/h and caused Hong Kong's worst ship disaster. The 2,600-tonne Macau ferry 'Fatshan' had anchored in Ma Wan to shelter from the storm. However, the typhoon blew the ship towards Lantau, and it hit two other ships before it rolled onto its side.
The typhoon caused a fire in a power station, leading to a blackout in Kowloon and the New Territories. Thousands of people were trapped in lifts during this power cut. Telephone cables also went out, leaving 30,000 people without phone service.
Typhoon York
Hitting Hong Kong in 1999, the unpredictable Typhoon York was the last No 10 of the 20th century. The signal lasted for 11 hours, making it the longest-ever No 10 signal.
More than 300 people had to flee their homes due to landslides and flooding. The storm smashed more than 400 panes of glass on buildings in Wan Chai, and a crane on a building was blown down 30 storeys.
Typhoon Mangkhut
Mangkhut was the most recent No 10 to hit Hong Kong, arriving on September 17, 2018. The super typhoon lasted 10 hours.
Mangkhut caused heavy rain and huge waves, flooding many areas. At least 458 people were injured. There were over 60,000 fallen trees, the highest number ever. Flooding was serious in Tai O, Lei Yue Mun and Sha Tin, and many people were evacuated. Seawater flowed into underground car parks in Heng Fa Chuen and Tseung Kwan O, submerging vehicles.
Quick questions
1. Why were many people trapped in lifts during Typhoon Rose?
2. Which typhoon is most remembered by Hong Kong people?
3. What was the most dangerous thing about Typhoon York?
Fun facts
Typhoons happen when warm air mixes with cold air, creating strong winds, rain and flooding. They move slowly over the ocean, gaining power and speed. Typhoons can be up to 800km wide!
Hysan from St. Paul’s College Primary School
to go under the surface of water or liquid; to put something or make something go under the surface of water or liquid
a temporary withdrawal or failure of an electrical power supply.
a person who is killed or injured in war or in an accident
an unusual rise in the level of the sea near the coast, caused by wind from a severe storm
a situation in which things are seriously damaged, destroyed or very confused
causing destruction or damage