Public anger in Hong Kong over low signal during 2006 Typhoon Prapiroon – SCMP archive
This article was first published on August 4, 2006. Observatory lashed over typhoon signal by Agnes Lam, Clifford Lo and Martin Wong 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…
Hong Kong residents expressed frustration over a lackluster response from the Observatory during Typhoon Prapiroon in August 2006. The typhoon brought gusts up to 200km/h, causing widespread damage and endangering workers who were sent to their jobs despite the lack of a higher storm warning signal. The Observatory defended its current system, which focuses on average wind speeds in urban areas, but many felt it was outdated given the population's expansion into the New Territories and outlying islands.
Meteorologist Clarence Fong called for an update to the storm classification system, emphasizing the dangers posed by high winds that could lead to false security. The typhoon resulted in dozens of injuries, the rescue of over 90 seamen, and the uprooting of 531 trees.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
