Video and pictures from the last few hours have shown the terrible force of nature a typhoon can unleash.
But while mother nature’s one thing, human nature is certainly more unpredictable. Sometimes inspiring, frequently hilarious and, unfortunately, often downright dangerous.
To illustrate the point, here’s a list people doing things during typhoon Mangkhut that can be categorized as follows:
Certainly don’t, no way, nu-uh
Swimming: Apple Daily uploaded this picture this afternoon. According to the outlet, it was taken in Sai Wan.
https://www.facebook.com/hk.nextmedia/photos/a.170516952447/10157056460667448/?type=3
Sightseeing on an ocean promenade: According to Apple Daily, a resident of Ma On Shan spotted three people on the definitely-a-dangerous-place-to-be promenade jutting out into the ocean. Luckily, they made it off before, surprise, the whole thing was submerged by rising waters.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10160959060760381&set=gm.1702970353163503&type=3&theater&ifg=1
Taking photos at Tai Po Waterfront park mid typhoon: Again, not a smart move.
Walking dog on pier in Sai Wan: Sure, dogs need regular exercise but probs should make an exception when the Observatory issues THE STRONGEST TYPHOON ALERT.
Delivering food: This one comes the mainland but, seeing as the same lesson applies anywhere a massive storm is raging, we thought we’d include it anyway.
https://twitter.com/travelofkush/status/1041196017796898817
Leaving your parrot on the roof: A Twitter user spotted a pet bird left on a nearby rooftop. Not cool.
He/she is on the right. And as I just looked again it was moving from one foot to the other. Poor parrot. pic.twitter.com/UsSDpJbHTM
— Alice Woodhouse (@alicemuwu) September 16, 2018
Probs don’t
Venturing out for dim sum at a restaurant with lots of glass windows: Their lust for dim sum was as strong as the gale force wind that smashed the restaurant’s windows.
Venturing out at all: But, if you must, there are certainly ways to protect yourself.
https://www.facebook.com/mingpaoinews/photos/a.503173639742776/1977942422265883/?type=3&theater
Up to you
Cling-wrapping your car: There’s no after shots to see whether it worked, but hey, if you love your car.
https://twitter.com/rtogapo/status/1040996624636366849
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=417922502071091&set=pcb.1533825796959781&type=3&theater&ifg=1
Conflate well-taped windows with a desire to return to colonial rule: No word about a furious response from Beijing as yet.
Hongkongers are publicly displaying their wishes to be reunited with Great Britain (or in some cases Scotland) on all their glass windows this weekend… what does Beijing have to say about this https://t.co/HZKlVMm1fZ
— Elson Tong (@elson_tong) September 15, 2018
Yes, go for it
Protect your windows with comedy: In the days before Mangkhut’s arrival Hongkongers in unison reached for the adhesive tape to secure those windows. Some went for standard patterns, others had a bit of fun.
a friend shared this with me. i can see an irony here…#HongKong #windowtaping #mangkhut #SuperTyphoonMangkhut pic.twitter.com/5OYq3oe76H
— Fion Li (@fion_li) September 16, 2018
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10214838249062987&set=g.295202647488775&type=1&theater&ifg=1
https://twitter.com/MothershipSG/status/1041240688371724288
Protect your windows with sanitary pads: Did consider putting this in the “up to you” section but safety first.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=286002765563223&set=gm.1533370650338629&type=3&theater&ifg=1
Protect your windows with pictures of Li Ka-shing: The ongoing joke about the tycoon’s ability to deflect typhoons continued with Mangkhut, though some netizens worried his retirement this year may have lessened the power of the “Li field.”
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10205301522335025&set=pcb.1533712033637824&type=3&theater&ifg=1
Be a concerned parent: Some parents simply worry, others offer solutions for problems.
It's a T9 and my dad sent me a video of a very questionable Typhoon prevention measure: cling filming your windows if you have no tape. No idea what the original source.of this video is but its been doing the rounds. #TyphoonMangkhut pic.twitter.com/6S5Cg1SIRm
— Vicky Wong 黃瑋殷 (@vickywong710) September 16, 2018
Use informative safety gear: The basket adopt the head of this cashier in Tai Po informs customers that tape has, in fact, sold out. Nice.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=675889632796178&set=gm.1533830293625998&type=3&theater&ifg=1
Hunker down and meme: Rain, hail or typhoon, some people are just creative. Like these folks who, inspired by the storm, created a parody of an old Cantopop song by singer Paula Tsui song called “windy season.” Truly apt.
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