Minor flooding was an inconvenience
Typhoon Khanun, which hit Macau October 15, was no match for its predecessor, Typhoon Hato—and the city is grateful for that.
According to the Macau News, the typhoon caused only minor flooding in low-lying areas around the Inner Harbor. Some residents and tourists thought opportunistic cabbies who hiked up their fares during the storm were the worst part of the event.
Macau Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai On “personally oversaw” the government response, the News reported; after Typhoon Hato, critics slammed authorities for failing to warn people of the danger, allegedly to help keep the gaming industry up and running. That storm caused billions of dollars’ worth of damage and killed 10 people; the recent typhoon injured seven.
While the high-level No. 8 storm warning was hoisted, taxi drivers saw an opportunity to fill their pockets. Ninety-eight cases of overcharging were recorded, along with 20 cases of cabbies refusing to pick up passengers. Unlicensed taxis were also on the prowl, picking up passengers.
A No. 8 Signal is sufficient to cancel road, air and ferry transport to and from Macau, reported GGRAsia, which could have a dampening effect on gross gaming revenues for October.
