Residents have begun to accumulate supplies in anticipation of the impending arrival of Super Typhoon Ragasa, while some retailers warned about potential price increases.
In the flood-prone area of Heng Fa Chuen, residents were observed procuring additional provisions in preparation for Ragasa, which correlatively resulted in a modest increase in sales for local vendors.
Businesses are projecting heightened foot traffic and revenue on the upcoming Monday and Tuesday, with some merchants indicating that prices may be adjusted based on the restocking situation.
Despite the Observatory's warning that coastal water levels could mirror those experienced during Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018, some expressed skepticism regarding the need for excessive preparatory measures.
Meanwhile, many residents applied adhesive tape to large windows to mitigate potential damage, while 80-centimeter-high flood barriers have been placed in front of each building.
Flood prevention materials, including sandbags, have been placed in the estate's underground car park, complemented by the installation of extra barriers near elevators located on lower levels.
In another flood-prone blackspot, the underground car park at Wan Tsui Estate has been equipped with L-shaped flood barriers and sandbags. A small water pump was deployed in the drain within the car park, with a larger pump on standby for emergencies.
Moreover, a local hardware store owner indicated that many residents had yet started purchasing window tape, forecasting that demand would increase from Monday onward.
He also noted that prices would be adjusted, with the cost of a 1-foot-wide roll increased from HK$12 to HK$20.
An employee at a chain store said the tape was nearly sold out, with only large sizes available.
