Heavy rain and wind from Typhoon Wipha triggers highest storm warning
The typhoon caused the cancellation or delay of over 200 flights at Hong Kong International Airport, with Cathay Pacific suspending all flights for a significant period.
Public transport, including ferries, was largely suspended, and schools cancelled special classes, while amusement parks like Hong Kong Disneyland were closed.
Over 200 people sought refuge in public shelters, and authorities received multiple reports of fallen trees across the city.
After impacting the Philippines and Taiwan, Typhoon Wipha is forecast to make landfall in southern China, leading to hundreds of thousands of evacuations, before moving towards Vietnam.
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Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
I spent nine months travelling Sri Lanka by bus - there's a must-visit spot that Lonely Planet says to avoid
As one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Sri Lanka really does have it all. The island's rich and layered history can be explored at mesmerising ancient archaeological sites, such as Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Anuradhapura, while wild leopards, sloth bears, and Asian elephants roam the tropical jungles of over 20 National Parks. If you're lucky, it's possible to spot a leopard and a blue whale in a single day during the peak migration season. But that's not all. Surfers will adore the reef breaks of the south and east coasts, hikers have numerous trails to explore - including the epic 300km Pekoe Trail that snakes through lush tea estates - and train buffs can take the scenic ride of a lifetime. Of course, a well-worn tourist route takes in many of these hypnotic places, yet for travellers hankering after the less-visited side of the country, there's so much more to explore, ensuring Sri Lanka can be visited time and time again. And I did it all travelling by local bus for over nine months. These are the lesser-visited parts I discovered, and worth heading to for wondrous sights, away from the crowds. Wilpattu National Park Crested serpent eagles, jackals, elusive leopards, jungle fowl, stocky sloth bears, and photogenic white breasted kingfishers are just a few of the birds and animals that can be found in glorious Wilpattu National Park. While most tourists head to Yala, Wilpattu is, in fact, the largest National Park in Sri Lanka, yet it sees fewer visitors than its over-touristed counterpart. Even fewer tourists know about the government-run bungalows that dot most of Sri Lanka's National Parks, and to witness a jungle experience with a difference, it's worth spending a few nights completely immersed in Wilpattu's dense jungle. Soulful Sri Lanka (LINK: will take the stress out of arranging this one-of-a-kind excursion by arranging all transport, the bungalow bookings, safari jeep arrangements, and will also provide a cook and tracker to help spot those elusive leopards and bears. Maligawila Buddha Statue, Monaragala According to a 15-year-old Lonely Planet guidebook of Sri Lanka, the town of Monaragala is 'not up to much, do pass through it,' but it's sentences like those that make me want to visit even more. After a couple of weeks in the county, I stopped over in Monaragala for the night in order to witness one of the most exquisite Buddha sculptures in the entire country. Made of crystalline limestone, I was the only person visiting the 11-metre-tall freestanding Buddha sculpture, hidden in the monkey-filled jungle just 15 km out of town. Dating back to the 7th century, it's impossible not to be impressed by the size and detail of the statue that was once the tallest free-standing Buddha in the world. Colombo As the capital of the country, Colombo might seem a surprising addition, but many travellers skip this underrated city, which, in my opinion, is an error. Overflowing with exciting art spaces, museums, and galleries, as well as boasting some of the best bars and restaurants in the country, Colombo will impress anyone willing to spend time getting acquainted with its quirks. Highlights for me include the restaurants, Gini (LINK: and Shoulders by Harpos (LINK: Uncle's (LINK: and Eskobar (LINK: for top-class cocktails, and the Sapumal Foundation and National Museum for an informative dose of historical context. There's also an incredible array of small boutique hotels housed in gorgeous, well-designed mansions. Don't miss Maniumpathy (LINK: and ISHQ (LINK: Mannar Island Just 30 km from mainland India, Mannar Island juts out from Sri Lanka's teardrop shape like a true enigma. Here, I found the country's oldest baobab tree (700 years old, with a circumference of 19.5 meters), an abandoned Dutch Fort, plenty of wild roaming donkeys, and a picturesque pastel blue church built in the 1860s. Photogenic at every turn, and with no other travellers in sight, this gem of an island is deserving of a spot on every Sri Lanka itinerary. Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, Kelaniya There is no shortage of awe-inspiring temples in Sri Lanka, from the incredible cave temples of Dambulla, to the colour-pop Nallur Kandaswamy Devasthanam Hindu Temple of Jaffna - they all really do deserve a visit. Yet one of my favourites, and a place that rarely gets a spot on many a Sri Lankan itinerary, is Kelania Temple, 11 km northeast of Colombo. Temple artist, Walimuni Solias Mendis, dedicated 20 years of his life to the murals and intricate paintings within the temple's main structure, and it really is a marvel to witness firsthand. Be sure to visit at varying times of day, as the light on the bright white stupa at dusk is pure magic. Madiha Village, Matara District Sri Lanka's south coast is undeniably touristy in high season (December to March), with towns like Mirissa and Unawatuna now filled with souvenir shops and the odd chain store. But there are still a handful of charming villages where it's possible to escape most of the crowds, one of which is Madiha. Nestled amongst coconut and mango trees and close to little-visited temples, this minuscule village has a handful of accommodation options, a few open-air cafes, and is right next to the beach. And a short beachside stroll away is one of the island's best restaurants, Zephyr Ceylon (LINK: where fresh fish dishes and inventive cocktails make the best of Sri Lanka's colourful produce. Sinharaja Forest Reserve This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to medicinal plants, purple-faced langurs, mouse deer, and a staggering array of birds, yet its name, Sinharaja, roughly translates to 'lion kingdom'. While there are no wild lions in Sri Lanka today, a folk legend tells of a lion living in the forest, which is how it became known as Sinharaja. Shrouded in myth and swirled in low-hanging mist, the forest is little frequented by tourists, possibly on account of its nearly year-round rainfall. But those willing to venture a little deeper will be rewarded with the chance to spot all 20 of Sri Lanka's endemic rainforest birds, including the rare green-billed coucal and the bright blue Ceylon magpie. Matara As the capital of the south coast's Matara district, which was once ruled over by the Dutch, Portuguese, and British, this is a vibrant and bustling city. It boasts two quaint forts including one built in 1560 and the other forming the shape of a star, a Buddhist island temple, a handful of fab rice and curry spots, and an interesting Dutch Reformed Church. Few tourists get immersed in the place, yet it offers a real glimpse into daily Sri Lankan life. What's more, the very southernmost tip of the country is just a 15-minute drive away, marked out by a bright white lighthouse that's one of the oldest in the country. The country's northernmost region - and out of bounds for decades due to the civil war - Jaffna is one of my favourite areas for temples and incredible food. Jaffna The country's northernmost region, out of bounds for decades due to the civil war, is one of my favourite areas for temples and incredible food. It offers a completely different terrain and vibe from the rest of the country. Home to hundreds of dusky-pink flamingos, spicy crab curries, and little-visited sights, including a sunken church half buried in sand, it's easy to let the days roll by in Jaffna. But since it's far, far away from much of the rest of the country, the palmyrah-filled expanse sees far fewer visitors than the island's hotspots of Ella, Nuwara Eliya, and the surfer's paradise of Weligama. Demodora While many flock to Ella, a once sleepy enclave turned backpacker haven, I wasn't the biggest fan. Instead, I preferred to spend my days in Demodora, where whimsical trails through tea plantations span out in all directions. The country's famed Nine Arch Bridge is a rough 4 km hike away through quaint villages. Meanwhile, the Demodora railway station looks as if it's been plucked straight out of a fairytale book. Close by sits a unique spiral railway loop where the track passes under itself. Known as the Demodora Loop, it's easy to visit from nearby Nine Skies (LINK: a five-bedroomed bungalow with the dreamiest views.
The Independent
4 hours ago
- The Independent
Emergency alert tests next month ‘one of the biggest' drills in UK history
An emergency alert drill in a month's time 'will be one of the biggest public safety exercises' in UK history, a Cabinet minister has said. Pat McFadden said mobile phone alerts could save lives during raging storms or when wildfires break out. On Sunday September 7 at around 3pm, mobile phones connected to 4G and 5G networks will vibrate and emit a siren sound for up to 10 seconds. The Government has previously used the system for real, including in January during Storm Eowyn to warn people in Scotland and Northern Ireland about severe weather. Approximately 3.5 million people across Wales and south-west England received an alert during Storm Darragh last December and a 500kg unexploded Second World War bomb found in a Plymouth back garden triggered a warning in February last year. 'From major storms to wildfires, this system could save your life in an emergency,' Mr McFadden said. 'Just like the fire alarm in your house, it's important we test the system so that we know it will work if we need it. 'This test will be one of the biggest public safety exercises in our nation's history. 'Mark the date, spread the word and take a moment to think about how you would respond in a real emergency.' In addition to vibrations and a noise, mobile phone users will receive a message. It will read: 'This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a UK Government service that will warn you if there's a life-threatening emergency nearby. 'You do not need to take any action. In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. 'Find simple and effective advice on how to prepare for emergencies at 'Visit for more information or to view this message in Welsh. Ewch i am ragor o wybodaeth neu i weld y neges hon yn y Gymraeg.'
The Independent
7 hours ago
- The Independent
Drugs, disasters and border disputes: Is Thailand no longer a draw for tourists?
Recent weeks have seen both Thai and global media reporting that Thailand 's foreign visitor numbers are down by 4.6 per cent compared to the same period (1 January to 29 June) last year. The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has cut its forecast for foreign tourist arrivals from 35 million to 37.5 million this year. Which leaves us wondering – what's going on in the kingdom? Has Thailand lost its shine for travellers? The short answer is yes and no. It really depends on where the travellers are coming from. There's been a spike in British holiday makers heading to Thailand in 2025, with Tourism Authority Thailand sharing that 674,640 arrivals visited in the first half of the year, an impressive 17.9 per cent increase on the figures from 2024. Each month in 2025 has seen rising numbers of UK tourists, when compared to the same month in 2024. Additionally, hotels across the Samui Archipelago, which includes Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, are expecting to be at capacity in August, with numerous local high-end chains, Avani+, Anantara, Centara, The Four Seasons, SAii and Santiburi being fully booked throughout the month. The slump is in fact due to a dip in East Asian visitors, most notably from China and there's a lot to unpack around that, following a series of events that happened earlier this year. In January, Chinese actor Wang Xing was abducted from Bangkok and forcibly taken to work at a scam centre near Myawaddy, a cyber-fraud hub in Myanmar, to the west of Thailand. Wang was rescued by Thai police on 7 January and returned to China, but the outcry across Chinese social media was, understandably, huge. Little over two months later, on 28 March, a terrifying 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Mandalay in northern Myanmar, the aftershocks travelled down the fault lines to Bangkok, shaking the city in the largest earthquake the capital has experienced for generations. The biggest tragedy was the collapse of an unfinished 30-storey skyscraper, mid-construction, that was due to be opened as Thailand's new National Audit Office. The majority of the 100 construction workers trapped within the rubble perished. As reported by Thai PBS, the building was Chinese-owned and used Chinese construction materials, which led to many Bangkokians nicknaming the project a 'tofu-dregs building' – insinuating the collapse was due to shoddy workmanship and materials from China. Despite the term being coined in 1998 by then Chinese PM Zhu Rongji, the implications were not well received by the Chinese media. The aftermath of these two shocking events has resulted in a large drop in arrivals from China, with numbers falling by 34 per cent in the first half of 2025. Thailand has seemingly lost its shine for some Chinese tourists whose absence, as a neighbouring country and a huge market, is having a sizable impact. Malaysian tourists, Thailand's second largest group of visitors, dropped 17 per cent in the same period. June this year also saw a sudden and unexpected backpedal on Thailand's cannabis laws; after being the first Asian country to legalise its use back in 2022, new outlines were swiftly put in place, quite literally overnight, that require a prescription in order to purchase, ensuring strict medical use only. With over 18,000 dispensaries open across the country, the majority of which are in tourist favourite destinations like Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui, this U-turn is expected to have a negative effect on the economy and cannabis tourism. Shops caught selling to customers without a prescription now face a 20,000 baht (£460) fine, whereas just a couple of months ago, Thailand's Ministry of Commerce suggested the cannabis industry may be worth $1.2bn by 2025. Cannabis festivals and events in Bangkok and Chiang Mai have ground to a complete halt. As Thailand had become Asia's answer to The Netherlands, with weed tourists excitedly arriving from Japan, South Korea and beyond, this change in jurisdiction is also expected to have some ripple effect on visitor numbers from east Asia, but the impact is as yet unknown. The most recent headline news from southeast Asia though has been the border disputes between Thailand and neighbouring Cambodia, over territories that have been in question since 1907. The neighbouring countries have skirmishes periodically, with tensions previously rising in 2008-2011. The nation was shocked last week when, for the first time, the Cambodian military attacked civilians as a result of the clash. Before the attack, which left 12 Thai people dead, the two clashing militaries had not targeted civilians. A truce was declared 28 July; Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim brokered an 'immediate and unconditional' ceasefire between acting Thai prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian prime minister Hun Manet, who met in Malaysia on Monday. Additionally, Worapa Angkhasirisap, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (UK and Ireland), assured us that 'the recent developments were confined to a limited area near the Thai-Cambodian border in Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin and Buriram provinces and did not affect the rest of the country and key tourist areas. Tourist destinations across Thailand remain operational, with no disruptions to travel, transportation, or public services.' While it's undeniable there's been a lot going on in Thailand, the events of the first half of this year have amounted to an east Asian tourism blip from which the nation is sure to bounce back. The government has addressed Chinese tourists' concerns in a new media campaign, 'Sawadee Nihao', and visitor numbers of Western tourists are still on the rise and will no doubt grow higher post- White Lotus. Aside from the White Lotus effect, this week saw confirmation that the colossal EDM festival Tomorrowland will make its Asia debut in the 'Land of Smiles' in 2026, and achingly cool hotel chain The Standard is opening Pattaya Na Jomtien, their third Thailand property, this autumn. International brands are still launching Thailand-based projects in droves and new markets are being tapped into. The Land of Smiles is as welcoming as ever.
