Conspiracy theory related to tropical cyclones near Hong Kong
In 2010, Severe Tropical Storm Lionrock is clearly shown to have peculiarly avoided Hong Kong.Typhoon Cimaron (2006) was seemingly repelled away from Hong Kong.Some people blamed Li Ka-shing for Hong Kong Observatory's insistence of not issuing a single No. 8 Storm Signal from 2005 to 2006.
In Hong Kong, schools above kindergarten level are shut down when Tropical Cyclone Signal Number 8 is issued (kindergarten classes are suspended when Signal Number 3 is issued),[2] and all non-essential staff at a workplace are sent home.[3] Some believe businesses have pressured the Observatory into avoiding the issuance of Typhoon Signal Number 8, in an effort to avoid economic losses.
In response, former Observatory Chief Lee Boon Ying told reporters in 2010 the Observatory has always put the safety of Hong Kong residents as its first priority, and is not swayed by business or economic concerns.[4]
In 2006, Typhoon Prapiroon brought gale to storm winds (63-117 km/h, Beaufort scale force 8-11) to Hong Kong, fulfilling the requirements for the No.8 Gale or Storm signal. [8] The storm overturned containers, uprooted trees, and caused many flight delays at the airport,[9] but the Observatory did not issue Signal Number 8, remaining at the lower level Signal Number 3.[10]
Observatory Chief Lam Chiu-ying later said the decision was based on the fact that wind speeds in Kai Tak, near the Victoria Harbour, did not reach the level required for issuing Signal Number 8.[8] Nevertheless, humorous speculation arose that Li Ka-shing was behind the decision, in an effort to maximize productivity from his workers and prop up the economy.
Scientific reason
[edit]A track map of all storms in the 2010 Pacific typhoon season. No typhoons came across Hong Kong that year.
Media reports in 2010, citing research by the Observatory, revealed the reason behind the fewer occurrences of Signal Number 8. It is believed that an ocean temperature difference between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean provides the explanation.[11]
^"Commerce and Economic Development Bureau - Home". Commerce and Economic Development Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Retrieved 2 August 2014. In addition to the above policy responsibilities, our Bureau also oversees the operation of ten executive arms, namely the Invest Hong Kong, Intellectual Property Department, Trade and Industry Department, Hong Kong Observatory, Post Office, Innovation and Technology Commission, Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, Office for Film, Newspaper and Article Administration, Radio Television Hong Kong, Office of the Communications Authority, and the overseas Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices.
^Cheung, Chi-fai (13 October 2006). "Revamp of typhoon warnings considered". South China Morning Post. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. Retrieved 2 August 2014.