Typhoon damage at Ocean Park’s Fullerton hotel sparks debate on coastal building safety

The storm surge from Typhoon Ragasa shattered the glass doors of the Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel on Wednesday, sending seawater flooding into the lobby and sparking a debate between former Hong Kong Observatory director Lam Chiu-ying and surveying experts about the safety of coastal construction.

Lam questioned on social media on Thursday why a hotel would be built directly on the shoreline where typhoon swells are known to occur, particularly with massive glass panels facing the ocean.

"Why build a hotel by the sea where typhoon swells are expected, using huge window glass to face tons of seawater?" he wrote.

However, Vincent Ho Kui-yip, a former president of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors, defended the building's design, stating that the wave height and sea level rise brought by this typhoon exceeded normal design parameters.

"This was a special event that went beyond existing architectural design expectations," Ho told Sing Tao Daily, The Standard’s sister publication.

"We should have full confidence in Hong Kong's building design standards."

Ho explained that the damage resulted from the combined impact of wave force and high water pressure rather than wind alone.

"Regular glass doors are designed for security and daily stability, not to withstand such massive wave impacts," he said.

Addressing Lam's concern about coastal construction, Ho noted that Hong Kong has a long history of shoreline development.

"From Tsim Sha Tsui, Hung Hom to Hong Kong Island's coastline, buildings have been constructed facing the sea for over a hundred years," he said, adding that maintaining distance from the shoreline and elevation above tide levels normally provides sufficient protection.

The surveyor emphasized that the damage was limited to surface elements and wouldn't affect the hotel's structural safety.

He suggested that future coastal designs might incorporate preventive measures like temporary water barriers during extreme weather events, but cautioned against overhauling standards based on isolated incidents.

Meanwhile, the hotel confirmed on social media that all guests and staff were safe during the event, with most facilities, including the lobby, restaurants, and spa operating normally, though cleanup continues in the children's play area.

(Marco Lam)