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Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Officials issue highest alert as massive typhoon barrels toward coastline: 'Do not go outside'
Officials issue highest alert as massive typhoon barrels toward coastline: 'Do not go outside' Typhoon Wipha's approach has led Hong Kong to hoist its highest T10 warning. With winds topping 103 mph and severe flooding, the region braced for impact, paralleling escalating Pacific typhoons scientists now link to a warming climate. Hong Kong's observatory, the region's weather service, reserves a "T10 signal" for its highest level of warning when a typhoon strikes. It means hurricane-force winds of 73 mph or stronger are either already occurring or expected in the area. The Observatory issued the alert on Sunday for China's south coast as Typhoon Wipha's hurricane-force winds approached. "Do not go outside and stay away from exposed windows and doors. Make sure you have a safe place to shelter," the T10 signal warned, per the Hong Kong Free Press. Hong Kong was hammered by Wipha's torrential rain over the weekend as the storm struck the coast of China's Guangdong province. Over 4 inches of rain fell in three hours as the storm whipped up winds of over 103 mph. The Philippines also felt the fury of Wipha over the weekend. The storm killed at least three people, and another seven were reported missing on Monday. Authorities report that floods, landslides, and debris flows have impacted more than 800,000 people, forcing around 90,000 to evacuate their homes, according to the Associated Press. A NASA study determined that 90% of the excess heat captured by heat-trapping gases in our atmosphere is ending up in our ocean. It is still too soon to determine if our overheating planet supercharged Wipha, but scientists did conclude that a major Typhoon that hit the Philippines and Taiwan last year was made worse by our warming world. Wipha made landfall on the one-year anniversary of the formation of Tropical Storm Gaemi. Gaemi strengthened into a powerful typhoon before it pounded the northern end of the Philippines last July with strong winds and heavy rainfall. Typhoon Gaemi's wrath impacted nearly 7 million people, killing 48, damaging several roads and bridges, and knocking out power to more than 100 cities. Gaemi eventually became a Category 4-equivalent Typhoon, with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph, before making landfall in northeast Taiwan on July 24, 2024, where it took 10 lives and injured over 900. It was the strongest storm to hit the island in eight years An analysis by World Weather Attribution of Typhoon Gaemi concluded that "climate change increased Typhoon Gaemi's wind speeds and rainfall, with devastating impacts across the western Pacific region." "Together, these findings indicate that climate change is enhancing conditions conducive to Typhoons, and when they occur the resulting rainfall totals and wind speeds are more intense," say the authors of the study. "This is in line with other scientific findings that tropical cyclones are becoming more intense and wetter under climate change." Do you worry about air pollution in your town? All the time Often Only sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Chinese comedian's viral set on domestic abuse sparks authority intervention on gender based humor in China
TIL Creatives Fan Chunli, a sensation is a 50-year-old comedian from rural China Fan Chunli, a 50-year-old comedian from rural China, became a national sensation after her raw and candid stand-up performance detailing years of spousal abuse and her eventual escape resonated widely with audiences on the streaming platform iQiyi's show The King of Stand-up Comedy . Before comedy, Fan worked as a sanitation worker and had limited formal education, only attending school until junior high. Growing up in a traditional environment where women had few rights to inherit family property and were expected to marry early, Fan initially accepted these roles but later found family and marriage constricted her financial independence. During her set, Fan, performing under the stage name 'Fangzhuren,' shared her painful personal story that highlighted the pervasive issue of domestic violence in China. The performance moved many viewers to tears and earned a standing ovation, culminating in one of the most-liked comments wishing anger upon her abusive the viral popularity of Fan Chunli's set and other similar comedic performances that discuss gender-related issues have elicited a stern response from Chinese authorities, particularly in Zhejiang province. Provincial publicity officials issued a public warning on WeChat admonishing comedians to avoid provoking gender opposition for the sake of being funny. They condemned comedy that reduces complex gender dynamics into simplistic battles between men and women.'Criticism is obviously fine, but it should be… constructive rather than revolve around gender opposition for the sake of being funny,' read the WeChat article by authorities according to Hong Kong Free Press. It urged comedians to analyze phenomena like consumerism's impact on gender roles and to avoid outright antagonism between sexes. This crack down is part of a broader pattern of Chinese authorities suppressing independent feminist activism and rigorously policing content across comedy, music, and public discourse. Over the past decade, China has significantly curtailed feminist movements viewed by the state as influenced by 'malicious Western' ideas. Fan Chunli's story brought to light the taboo and sensitivity around topics like domestic violence and women's rights—issues largely brushed under the carpet in Chinese society and public reaction to Fan's set was overwhelmingly empathetic, reflecting a deeper awakening among Chinese women who question traditional patriarchal norms. However, the state's response signals a desire to control the narrative and limit the scope of gender debates to avoid social discord, emphasizing 'palatable' and state-sanctioned content rather than authentic lived comedians and cultural creators, the authorities' directive means navigating careful boundaries between raising awareness and provoking censorship. As one analysis pointed out, Fen Chunli's candidness struck a chord but also reminded marketers and artists that authenticity in China's content environment carries significant risks of backlash.
HKFP
21-07-2025
- Politics
- HKFP
10 Years of HKFP: Why we revived our deer mascot
Hong Kong Free Press has revived its decade-old deer mascot, based on a Chinese proverb. To 'call a deer a horse ' (指鹿為馬) refers to the distortion of facts and the misrepresentation of truth. When HKFP launched in 2015, we adopted the deer as our mascot, promising to always 'call a deer a deer.' The HKFP mascot. We'll always call a deer a deer. Support us: — Hong Kong Free Press HKFP (@hkfp) October 29, 2015 To mark our 10th anniversary, a new version of our deer is returning to remind us all of the importance of truth and press freedom at a time when misinformation, disinformation and propaganda are rife. If you would like to receive an exclusive HKFP plush deer keyring, designed from scratch by HKFP, sign up as a HK$150+ monthly donor as a member today and enjoy eight benefits.
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Business Standard
20-07-2025
- Climate
- Business Standard
Hong Kong issues T10 hurricane signal, highest warning for Typhoon Wipha
The Hong Kong Observatory on Sunday issued its highest warning for tropical cyclone Typhoon Wipha which is descending on the city and is "posing a considerable threat." Authorities have hoisted the T10 signal, which is the highest-level warning, this morning at 9.20 am (local time). It warned that the typhoon would skirt about 50km to the south around noon. The highest-level warning, means that winds with mean speeds of 118km/h or more are expected. The last No 10 signal was during Super Typhoon Saola in 2023, with the storm causing 86 injuries, landslides and thousands of trees to fall according to local media, including the SCMP and Hong Kong Free Press. The annual Hong Kong Book Fair and over 500 flights have been cancelled, the local media reported adding that the weather service urged the public to take precautionary measures. If the eye of the tropical cyclone passes directly over Hong Kong, there may be a temporary lull. The Hong Kong Observatory warns that this lull will be followed by a sudden resumption of violent winds, so residents have been advised to stay in safe places. The water level rose to about 3 metres above Chart Datum at Tai Po Kau. Maximum gusts exceeding 103 kilometres per hour were recorded at Tate's Cairn, Hong Kong Free Press reported. The Hainan and Guangdong provinces remained on high alert after the storm brought rain and flooding to the Philippines. A significant number of flights are cancelled or rescheduled, Xinhua news agency reported. So far, Wipha has resulted in one reported injury involving a man and reports of uprooted trees, while 214 people have sought refuge in government shelters. As of 9am, the government had opened 34 temporary shelters with 214 people seeking refuge. Over 500 weekend flights have been cancelled and the Airport Authority said 400 could resume in the afternoon at the earliest after the typhoon moved away from the city. Several MTR lines will maintain a limited service, although those on open sections including the Light Rail and Airport Express have been suspended. Most ferry and bus services have also been suspended. According to experts, warming of the seas leads to tropical cyclones.
HKFP
19-07-2025
- Climate
- HKFP
Tropical Cyclone Wipha: Hong Kong raises T3 storm signal, will consider T8 in early hours of Sunday
The Observatory raised the T3 storm signal at 2:20pm on Saturday as Tropical Cyclone Wipha closed in on China's southern coast. The Observatory said that Wipha will continue to intensify and move towards the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary on Saturday: 'With its outer rainbands and associated strong winds affecting the coastal areas of Guangdong gradually, local winds will strengthen later today. There will be more showers gradually with squally thunderstorms.' The Observatory added that it will consider issuing the Gale or Storm Signal, No. 8 in the small hours of Sunday. AI-driven models, which the Observatory recently credited with being more accurate predictors than traditional forecasting methods, suggest Wipha will make landfall on China's Hailing Island at 6pm on Sunday. Rain and high temperatures are expected throughout the coming week, according to the Observatory: 'With Wipha departing, winds will weaken gradually in the following couple of days. However, there will still be squally showers and thunderstorms over the coast of southern China.' Typhoon Signal 3 The No. 3 signal warns of strong winds affecting, or expected to affect, Hong Kong within 12 hours. Classes of kindergartens and schools for children with physical or intellectual disabilities will be suspended. Scheduled ferry services may be cancelled as conditions worsen. Bus and MTR services are not affected. Residents should secure loose objects like flower pots or drying racks, and prepare for possible flooding in low-lying areas. Climate crisis Tropical cyclones – which get their energy from warm ocean water – are strengthening and become ever more destructive because of warming seas. Over 90 per cent of excess heat in the atmosphere is ending up in oceans, according to NASA, as rising greenhouse gases prevent it from escaping to space. Tom GrundyDirector & Founder Tom founded Hong Kong Free Press in 2015 as the city's first crowdfunded newspaper. He has a BA in Communications and New Media from Leeds University and an MA in Journalism from the University of Hong Kong. He previously founded an NGO advocating for domestic worker rights, and has contributed to the BBC, Deutsche Welle, Al-Jazeera and others. Aside from editing, he is responsible for managing the newsroom and company - including fundraising, recruitment, compliance and overseeing HKFP's web presence and ethical guidelines.
