emirates7 - Emirates Airlines has confirmed that flight EK 382 from Dubai to Hong Kong was delayed early Sunday due to the severe impact of Typhoon Wipha, which lashed the region with powerful winds and heavy rain. The airline cited poor weather conditions as the cause and updated its website at 1:38 a.m. (GMT+4) to reflect the disruption to its July 20 service, as the storm neared Hong Kong.
The delay is part of a broader travel disruption, with over 400 flight cancellations at Hong Kong International Airport. In response, airport officials activated emergency procedures, and the city raised its highest typhoon alert, Signal No. 10, for the first time since Super Typhoon Saola in 2023.
Typhoon Wipha packed winds exceeding 167 km/h (103 mph), toppling trees, inundating streets, and crippling public transport and rail services across Hong Kong and surrounding areas.
The Airport Authority Hong Kong opened its emergency command centre, while Cathay Pacific announced plans to restart limited outbound flights from 6 p.m.
Authorities received more than 450 reports of fallen trees and debris from collapsed scaffolding. At least 21 individuals were treated at public hospitals, and flooding was reported in districts like Wong Tai Sin. Over 250 residents sought refuge in emergency shelters.
The Hong Kong Observatory initially issued the hurricane Signal No. 10—the highest storm warning level—before downgrading it to Signal No. 8 at 4:10 p.m. The observatory noted that "gale to storm-force southeasterly winds" were still affecting parts of the region, with intense rainbands continuing to sweep across the Pearl River Delta.
In neighbouring Macau, authorities also issued the highest typhoon warning, halting all public transportation.
The delay is part of a broader travel disruption, with over 400 flight cancellations at Hong Kong International Airport. In response, airport officials activated emergency procedures, and the city raised its highest typhoon alert, Signal No. 10, for the first time since Super Typhoon Saola in 2023.
Typhoon Wipha packed winds exceeding 167 km/h (103 mph), toppling trees, inundating streets, and crippling public transport and rail services across Hong Kong and surrounding areas.
The Airport Authority Hong Kong opened its emergency command centre, while Cathay Pacific announced plans to restart limited outbound flights from 6 p.m.
Authorities received more than 450 reports of fallen trees and debris from collapsed scaffolding. At least 21 individuals were treated at public hospitals, and flooding was reported in districts like Wong Tai Sin. Over 250 residents sought refuge in emergency shelters.
The Hong Kong Observatory initially issued the hurricane Signal No. 10—the highest storm warning level—before downgrading it to Signal No. 8 at 4:10 p.m. The observatory noted that "gale to storm-force southeasterly winds" were still affecting parts of the region, with intense rainbands continuing to sweep across the Pearl River Delta.
In neighbouring Macau, authorities also issued the highest typhoon warning, halting all public transportation.