Hong Kong lashed by strong typhoon

A strong typhoon hit Hong Kong overnight,

leaving scores injured, hundreds of trees

felled and many flights cancelled or delayed.

Typhoon Vicente hit late on Monday, bringing winds

of more than 140 km/h (87 mph) and heavy

downpours.

The storm warning was briefly raised to the highest

level of 10 for the first time in 13 years but

downgraded on Tuesday as the storm passed.

Trading on the stock exchange was temporarily

delayed on Tuesday morning.

The stock exchange was expected to resume trading

in the afternoon.

Although the typhoon was forecast to move away

from Hong Kong across western Guangdong, the

Hong Kong Observatory warned that gale force

winds were still prevailing on Tuesday morning.

Authorities warned that flight disruptions could

continue.

More than 100 people aged between four and 86

sought treatment at public hospitals and at least 72

were hospitalised, officials said.

Flooding has also been reported in some areas and

hundreds of trees were felled overnight.

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.

Public transportation systems were resuming

service gradually on Tuesday morning