More than 180 flights to and from Hong Kong have been cancelled as a powerful typhoon hit large areas of Hong Kong and the mainland of southern China.
Many thousands of passengers were affected in the region due to cancelled or delayed trains, ferries, aircraft and buses due to Cyclone Nida.
Although Hong Kong officials ended a rainstorm alert at midday today local time, they warned residents there was still a risk of flooding in low-lying areas.
Cathay Pacific cancelled most flights into and out of Hong Kong overnight. Several flights scheduled after 2pm today local time were also affected due to “capacity issues and airport restrictions,” the carrier said.
“We are currently processing rebookings and experiencing a higher than usual volume of calls to our global contact centre,” Cathay Pacific said.
“We sincerely apologise to our customers for the suspension of flights brought about by the typhoon. Safety has always been our top priority.”
“Our staff are trying very hard to provide alternative flight arrangements for affected passengers; however, there are significant challenges as many flights are operating at high load factors during this peak summer travel period.
“We will continue to try our best to get the affected passengers to their destinations as quickly as circumstances permit and appreciate the patience of our customers.”
Forecasters warned that heavy rainfall will inundate the southern coast of China, which could lead to widespread flooding and life-threatening mudslides.
About six to 12 inches of rain will fall from central Guangdong into northern Guangxi and eastern Guizhou provinces.
“Guangdong and much of Guangxi will have the highest impacts from this storm,” AccuWeather meteorologist Adam Douty said.
“Nida should rapidly weaken as it tracks inland, which will reduce the wind threat. However, the heavy rain threat could extend into western Guizhou and eastern Yunnan from Wednesday into Thursday.”