Hong Kong at standstill as Typhoon Nesat hits

Typhoon Nesat forces Hong Kong schools, financial markets and businesses to shutdown as heavy rain, rough seas and gales hit the city.

29 September 2011, 12:00am

1 min read

Transport reduced in frequency or cancelled completely by train, ferry and bus operators with flights also being delayed as Typhoon Nesat sweeps through the city.

A number eight storm signal was issued before 05:00 on Thursday. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange also closed for the day after reports of the number eight storm signal will be left raised for most of Thursday.

Injuries were reported by a local radio as two people were in a taxi as scaffolding collapsed on top of it. 100km/hr (60mph) winds destroyed umbrellas and restricted people from walking through the city.

A large cargo barge also slipped from moorings crashing into the seafront forcing a nearby block of flats to be evacuated.

The typhoon had swiftly moved through the Philippines earlier this week killing at least 18 people and is reported to be moving southwest of Hong Kong towards Hainan Island in China.