Hong Kong typhoon strands 11,000 tourists
Tuesday, 24 July 2012 8:22 AM
An estimated 11,000 tourists and 2,700 residents have been stranded in rural areas of mainland China, after Typhoon Vicente hit areas in Hong Kong and southwest China late on Monday.
At least 17 people have been killed and more than 100 people are injured.
The storm was so severe that, for a brief time on Monday, the warning level was raised to level 10 for the first time in 13 years – the highest warning that there is.
Travellers planning on visiting China in the next coming weeks are advised to check with local authorities before travelling to the area, although the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has not placed any official restrictions to travel in the country.
The Hong Kong government has opened 24 temporary shelters and more than 250 people have sought refuge.
The Airport Authority said that between midnight (1600 GMT) to 0800 local time, 60 flights had been cancelled, 60 delayed and another 16 diverted.
Keep up-to-date with travel information on the official FCO website.
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