It took a typhoon to show how united Hong Kong stands, but offices could have avoided the transport chaos

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Hong Kong Police help residents of Lei Yue Mun to safety on September 16, as the No 10 signal Typhoon Mangkhut caused floods in the low-lying area. Photo: Winson Wong

Published: 9:00pm, 17 Sep 2018Updated: 9:00pm, 17 Sep 2018

The morning after a super typhoon batters our city, our amazing street cleaners are in place sweeping up tonnes of debris. Overnight, the sound of chainsaws could be heard, as the fire service immediately started clearing away fallen trees. By Wednesday, it will be like nothing happened!

There has been too much focus on the division of Hong Kong. It has taken a super typhoon to show us how united we stand.

Mark Peaker, The Peak

The commuter crush at Tai Wai MTR Station amid longer intervals between trains on the East Rail Line early on September 17, the day after Typhoon Mangkhut hit Hong Kong. Photo: Felix Wong

Consider break from office until city returns to normal

The Hong Kong Observatory replaced the storm signal No 8 with the strong wind signal No 3 at 5.20am on September 17, as Typhoon Mangkhut departed from the city. As a result, most people in Hong Kong had to go to work, even though the city may need more time to heal from the extensive damage caused by the storm. Due to the heavy damage on the overhead lines – the MTR could only offer limited services for the East Rail and Light Rail lines – it was difficult for many people living in the New Territories to commute to work.

Both the Education Bureau and a number of University Grants Committee-funded universities decided to suspend classes and activities to ensure the safety of teachers and students. Shouldn’t the government also consider suspending all commercial activities for the city, considering the aftermath of such an extreme weather event?

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