Hong Kong claw machine store owner ‘devastated’ by uninsured loss of HK$550,000 from flood damage in hard-hit Chai Wan
- Hong Kong Federation of Insurers chief estimates insurance claims from disaster will overtake HK$3.1 billion paid out in wake of 2018’s Typhoon Mangkhut
- Hong Kong Automobile Association says owners of flood-damaged vehicles without comprehensive insurance could seek compensation from car park owners or managers
A Hong Kong businessman has lost an estimated HK$550,000 (US$70,000) after his claw machine store was wrecked by what the government called a “once in 500 years” rainstorm.
Choi Kai-yip said on Monday he was devastated at the extent of the damage to his Chai Wan operation, on the ground floor of the Link Reit shopping centre in the public housing Wan Tsui Estate.
“The financial loss to me is devastating as it is a small business, I feel frustrated and helpless at the lack of support by the mall’s management and the government,” the 48-year-old said.
Choi was speaking as he mopped up and used a floor dryer blowing air at 50 mud-covered and water-damaged claw machines.
The prizes and stuffed toys inside the machines were soaked and damaged from the influx of dirty water.
Choi said HK$300,000 of the damage was accounted for by damage to the machines, with the rest attributed to damage to the toys and the cost of restoration of the store.
