Typhoon brings Hong Kong to near standstill

Article from Channel News Asia.
Typhoon Utor started out in the Philippines, with 6 left dead. At Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Observatory labeled this typhoon a "number 8," which is the third highest level. 100 flights are to be canceled and 174 are to be delayed. Ferry services to and from outer islands and mainland China were paused, which left passengers at scattered terminals. Trees were blown over, and a satellite dish fell down onto a row of motorcycles. The Hong Kong stock exchange cancelled the morning session and decided at noon whether or not any trade would be going during Wednesday. The typhoon is going to head to Guangdong next, which is in southeast China. There are 17 temporary shelters opened by the government. Utor is predicted to boil down on either Wednesday night or Thursday morning. Disaster prevention teams are requested for the Guangdong area because there are waves up to 36 feet high north of the South China Sea.
An update for the Philippine's statistics: the death toll has gone to 6, and 5 people are still missing. 42,000 people are still homeless. Utor had winds up to 125 miles/hour, which made it the strongest storm this year.

Natural disasters have a huge impact on everybody's lives. Although they can be predicted, there is only so much we can do in terms of preparing. Not only does it create emotional stress for the people, but also financial stress for both the government and the people. Some people may only thing that the financial stress happens in other countries other than America and Canada, but as Hurricane Sandy proved it, that is not the case. Hurricane Sandy left so much damaged that Ellis island had to be closed, as well as some of the dock stores. They are all asking for donations in order to stay open. Many people had to buy new housing. In many cases, insurance cannot simply cover all the costs. We must try our best to help by giving small (or large) donations of money, food, clothing, etc.