Back to work hours after Typhoon Mangkhut, what was Hong Kong thinking?

As someone who has lived in Hong Kong for 35 years, 20 of those in construction, I thought I might share with you some thoughts after Typhoon Mangkhut.

I currently live in Sai Kung and took a walk immediately after the worst to assess the damage. The amount of tree damage was staggering, like nothing I have seen before: a testament to the storm’s power. Anywhere the storm could possibly get inside homes and businesses, it did. The Sai Kung seafront was virtually wiped out. It seems many shop owners never knew or had forgotten what could happen here. Some of those shops were in government buildings.

It was obvious that transport would be virtually non-existent on Monday. The road crews would need a full uninterrupted day to get things cleared. Experience taught me that businesses would insist everyone return to work on Monday morning. And that the No 8 would come down in time for commuters regardless. I was not disappointed.