Typhoon Koinu: Hong Kong raises T9 storm signal, MTR commuters left stranded as Observatory to consider T10

The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) hoisted the T9 storm signal at 7 pm on Sunday, as Typhoon Koinu skirted south of the city. The amber rainstorm warning was also raised just before 8:30 pm.

“The eyewall of Typhoon Koinu is gradually approaching the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary. Under the influence of Koinu, gale winds are affecting many places over the territory, with occasional storm force winds offshore and on high ground,” the Observatory wrote in an 8:45 pm update.

“Depending on changes in local wind conditions, the Observatory will assess the need for issuing the Hurricane Signal, No. 10,” it added.

Typhoon Koinu’s arrival comes a month after the city was battered by extreme weather events that experts have said are linked to the climate crisis.

Hong Kong saw its first T10 storm signal since 2018 in early September as Super Typhoon Saola brought strong winds to the territory. A week later, the city was hit by record-breaking rainfall that saw cars stranded on flooded roads and an entire MTR station exit submerged underwater. The city has also seen its hottest summer on record.

Government departments stepped up precautionary work to brace for the effects of Typhoon Koinu.

The Drainage Service Department dispatched over 70 emergency teams to conduct inspections across the city, according to the authorities’ press release on Sunday evening.

The Highways Department has arranged road maintenance contractors and equipment such as grab lorries and chainsaws on stand by to clear roads when necessary.

As of 8:40 pm, the government had received at least 14 reports of fallen trees. No landslides or floods were reported.

Transport disruptions

Meanwhile, the MTR suspended overground rail routes as the city hoisted the T9 signal, leaving scores of commuters stranded, according to local media. Commuters were reportedly told to exit from the trains.

Hundreds of commuters were trapped at Tai Wai Station, HK01 reported. Long queues for taxis formed at a transport interchange next to the station, where some commuters attempted to hail taxis via apps.

ℹ️ Stations will now provide drinking water, biscuits and chairs for passengers who are unable to continue their journey to wait until services can move again pic.twitter.com/dJoRJm0VSp
— MTR Service Update (@mtrupdate) October 8, 2023

The MTR Corporation said on social media that stations would provide water, biscuits and chairs to stranded commuters.

On Facebook, some people left critical comments on an MTR Corporation’s post stating that it had halted overground services “to ensure safety.”

“To ensure safety? Now people need to walk home. How is that ensuring safety?” one comment read.

Underground routes were operating at severely reduced intervals, with trains coming every 10 to 20 minutes on MTR lines.

All daytime routes operated by Citybus, KMB and LWB routes were suspended, while overnight routes run by KMB and LWB were also halted, the bus companies announced. Ferries to outlying islands were suspended by mid-afternoon.

Typhoon Signal 9

The No.9 signal indicates that gale or storm force winds are increasing, or expected to increase, significantly in strength.

Residents are advised to stay indoors and away from exposed windows and doors to avoid flying debris.
All schools and most government premises will be closed.
Temporary shelters for people with no safe refuge will be opened by the government.
Bus and ferry services will halt.
MTR services on the Airport Express, East Rail Line, Disney Resorts Line and Light Rail network will cease.
Some trains will run on the underground sections of other MTR lines as long as the situation remains safe.