Home / News / DB clear-up operation underway after Typhoon Hato batters Hong Kong

DB clear-up operation underway after Typhoon Hato batters Hong Kong

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The clear-up operation in Discovery Bay continues this morning after Typhoon Hato ripped through Hong Kong yesterday causing widespread damage. Initially predicted to be a relatively mild storm, Hato quickly intensified into a severe typhoon on Wednesday morning, August 23, with the T10 hurricane signal being raised shortly after 9am.

yphoon Hato Discovery Bay

The first T10 storm to hit the territory in five years, Typhoon Hato slammed Hong Kong with sustained wind speeds of 175 km/h and gusts of up to 223 km/h.

According to experts, Hato was able to gather pace more quickly than previous storms because it passed south of Hong Kong, with no land to break its path. Damage to the territory was further intensified by the typhoon coinciding with high tide, bringing severe flooding from sea water to many parts of the region.

Here in DB, the town took a battering, with multiple trees uprooted and extensive damage caused to fixtures and buildings, including Hemingway’s and Cafe Duvet in DB Plaza. A number of boats at Lantau Boat Club on Tai Pak Wan Beach were also overturned when much of the beach flooded.

yphoon Hato Discovery Bay

yphoon Hato Discovery Bay

At the south end of DB, a cargo vessel got into trouble in waters near Coastline Villas and DB Marina. Videos shared by residents on Facebook show the vessel worryingly out of control and drifting dangerously close to the breakwater before heading towards Nim Shue Wan.

The ship then began to list, but was able to maneuver close to Kai Tak Pier, where crew members began jumping into the water and swimming to shore. Emergency services and brave volunteers helped the crew out of the water, who were given shelter in the Marina Club for several hours.

People who witnessed the incident have praised the captain for managing to avoid a serious collision and for repeatedly maneuvering the ship towards the shore so that the crew could evacuate and reach dry land.

DB resident Monika Carruthers watched the scene unfold from La Vista.

“We could see people jumping into the water. Maybe three or four people would jump out then the captain would move the ship away so they could be rescued,” she said. “Then he would go back and drop off more.”

The ship is currently grounded at Kai Tak Pier.

As is the case across Hong Kong, beaches in DB are completely covered with trash as a result of the typhoon, and local environmental organisations DB Green and Plastic Free Seas are calling for residents to pull together to help clean up the mess. Beach cleanups have been organized at Nim Shue Wan and Sam Pak Wan at the North Plaza today from 2pm.

Those wishing to help are advised to wear closed-toe shoes and bring their own reusable water bottles, sun protection and bug spray. Bags and gloves will be provided but reusable gloves are encouraged.

Volunteers are advised that as of yesterday Sam Pak Wan Beach is not suitable for young children.

The last time a T10 signal was issued was for Typhoon Vicente in 2012. Regarded at the time as the most powerful storm to strike southern China in recent years, Vicente caused significant damage, but was not as strong as Typhoon Hato.

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