Explainer | Typhoon Khanun left some Hongkongers stranded in Japan. Here’s what to do if you get stuck abroad with no way home
- Industry insiders dish advice on what to expect from flight cancellations and the usefulness of insurance
- Immigration Department has various channels for help for city residents seeking assistance abroad
Dozens of Hongkongers were stranded in Japan’s Okinawa this week as Typhoon Khanun pummelled parts of the country, leaving two dead and 166,000 households without power.
At least 53 residents had contacted Hong Kong’s Immigration Department as of 10am on Friday requesting help to find transport and accommodation in the popular tourist destination.
Authorities said in the first six months of the year, 1,365 Hong Kong residents have sought help while overseas. Loss of travel documents and calls regarding admission into hospitals were among the most common issues reported.
As international travel rebounds, the Post asks the government, travel experts and insurers what people can do if stranded abroad in similar situations, and what sort of coverage or claims they can make.
1. How do I get in touch with Hong Kong authorities while abroad?
The Hong Kong government has set up four different communication pathways to take.
First, there is a 24-hour hotline for those in distress: (852) 1868. Second, you can also use the hotline via network data when overseas through the Immigration Department Mobile Application.
Third, residents can fill in an Online Assistance Request Form that can be accessed from the Immigration Department’s website.
The fourth channel is a new one established in April – WhatsApp (852) 1868 for residents stuck outside the city.
