Hong Kong: A powerful storm lashed Hong Kong and Macau on Sunday, just days after a punishing typhoon swept through southern China and claimed at least 18 lives.

Both cities raised a Typhoon 8 signal, the third-highest warning level, early Sunday morning as severe tropical storm “Pakhar” made landfall in the region, where emergency workers are still battling to repair Wednesday’s damage.

Hong Kong’s flagship carrier Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon cancelled 50 flights on Sunday morning and are expecting more delays and cancellations.
All ferry services in Hong Kong were suspended.

The Typhoon 8 storm warning level would typically shut down Hong Kong’s stock market, schools and businesses.

Packing winds of up to 130kmh Pakhar – named after a freshwater fish in the lower Mekong river — smashed into southern China as worst-hit Macau was still picking up the pieces after Typhoon Hato.

Hato ripped through the gambling hub Wednesday, plunging casinos into darkness and causing destructive floods.