This natural disaster risk advisory analyses the implications of the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) issuing a warning for Tropical Depression Wipha, effective 17 July 2025. It draws on historical storm events like Severe Tropical Storm Yinxing and Tropical Cyclone Yagi to support continuity planning, employee safety, and operational resilience in Hong Kong.
What is Risk Analysis in the Context of Natural Disasters?
Natural disaster risk assessments evaluate how storm systems such as tropical depressions and typhoons affect business continuity, employee safety, infrastructure, and public services. These assessments help organizations implement preemptive measures to protect people, assets, and operations across high-risk urban centres like Hong Kong.
Executive Summary: Moderate to High Risk
- Date of Incident: 17 July 2025
- Location: Hong Kong SAR
- Risk Category: Natural Disasters
- Severity Score: 3/5
- Confidence Level: 85%
Tropical Depression Wipha presents moderate but escalating risk as forecast models indicate potential strengthening into a tropical storm or typhoon. Based on prior incidents, this could lead to rainfall exceeding 30mm/hr, winds over 63 km/h, and infrastructure strain. Expected impact window is 48–72 hours, with residual risks lasting up to 5 days.
Known Hotspots and Sensitive Areas
- Tai O (Lantau Island), Sha Tin, Tai Po, and Tuen Mun are prone to coastal flooding and landslides
- Informal hillside settlements: high landslide risk during red rain warnings
- Urban flood-prone zones and coastal neighborhoods like Sai Kung
Impact on Transportation and Services
- Road Access: Tolo Highway, Tai Po Road, and Repulse Bay Road are vulnerable to closure due to flooding and landslides.
- Public Transport: Airport delays, ferry suspensions (Star Ferry and outlying islands), reduced MTR and bus services expected.
- Utility Services: Risk of power outages and water supply disruptions in affected districts.
- Business Operations: Likely suspension of non-essential services under No. 8 signal.
Recommended Actions
- Monitor HKO advisories and prepare work-from-home directives.
- Secure physical infrastructure: windows, drainage, outdoor assets.
- Verify backup power and data recovery protocols.
- Communicate changes with internal and external stakeholders.
- Pre-position inventory and re-route critical logistics.
Emergency Contacts
- Police: 999
- Fire Department: 999
- Ambulance: 999
- Hong Kong Observatory (HKO): +852 2926 8200
- Information Services Department: +852 2810 2000
- Education Bureau: +852 2891 0088
Final Thoughts
As Tropical Depression Wipha develops, organizations in Hong Kong should prepare for moderate to severe disruptions. Immediate risk levels may be manageable, but rapid escalation is possible. Early activation of continuity protocols and communication strategies will reduce operational exposure and ensure safety.
Stay ahead of operational risks with real-time alerts, scenario modeling, and expert advisories.
MitKat helps organisations navigate uncertain times by providing comprehensive insights about the evolving risk landscape. We offer various services including Risk consulting and Security Design, Protective Services, and cyber security services which ensure organisations become Risk Intelligent. Our AI-powered operational risk monitoring tool, datasurfr combined with expert insight enables companies to stay abreast of evolving operational risks and emerging developments.