Observatory lashed over typhoon signal
Auf einen Blick
- Hong Kong's Observatory was criticized for not raising Typhoon Prapiroon's storm warning above No 3, despite 200km/h winds causing chaos, endangering workers, and stranding thousands.
- A meteorologist called for an update to the outdated storm classification system.
KI-generierte Zusammenfassung
Warum es wichtig ist
The Hong Kong Observatory faced strong criticism for not raising a higher storm warning signal during Typhoon Prapiroon, leading to dangerous conditions for workers and widespread disruption.
The Observatory was under fire yesterday (August 3, 2006) for not hoisting a storm warning above the No 3 as Typhoon Prapiroon lashed some parts of the city with winds of up to 200km/h.
Unions said workers had been put in danger as they had gone to work as required because a No 8 signal had not been hoisted, while the swirling winds toppled cargo, blew down trees, caused traffic and flight chaos and stranded thousands of people at the airport.
Some people even suffered bee stings, as hives were knocked from the branches of trees and the occupants took out their fury on bystanders.
Meteorologist Clarence Fong Chi-kong, the host of website Weather Underground, called on the Observatory to update its storm classification system, which focuses mainly on wind speeds in the urban area.
He said it was outdated since the population had sprawled into the New Territories and outlying islands.
Offene Fragen
- Will the Observatory update its storm classification system?
- What specific changes will be made to the system?
