Super Typhoon Yagi: Hongkongers stock up at supermarkets in preparation for storm
Store shelves were well-stocked during lunchtime despite the increased footfall, with most shoppers saying over-preparation not necessary
Hongkongers thronged to buy groceries in preparation for Super Typhoon Yagi on Thursday afternoon, with queues at wet markets and crowds at supermarkets looking to stock-up on food supplies before the signal No 8 took effect.
Lawyer Pat Poon in his thirties made a point to visit the supermarket Wellcome on Johnston Road in Wan Chai at lunchtime to purchase food in preparation for the typhoon and said he noticed significantly more shoppers than usual.
“There are a lot of people here. It’s not usually this crowded at lunch hour,” Poon, who typically shops for food in the evening, said. “I’ll get some vegetables because they tend to get more expensive during typhoons.”
He also bought fresh fish and meat enough for two for Thursday evening because he felt that there was only a slim chance of the T8 signal lasting until Friday and he had adequate emergency food supplies at home.
Student Yvan Hao, who also visited the same supermarket to stock up on food supplies, said he and his two flatmates usually ate out and did not have a habit of cooking, but felt they needed to prepare for the typhoon.
“We got some instant noodles and other ready-to-eat items,” the 22-year-old said. He spent close to HK$600 on food for the three of them, enough to last two to three days.
