Development Bureau also appeals to public to report trees that potentially pose hazards, says checks expected to wrap up by end of the week.

Typhoon Wipha has toppled trees and caused major flight disruptions in Hong Kong and at some nearby airports in China as it moved west off the country’s southern coast.

HONG KONG, July 20 (Reuters) - Rains from Typhoon Wipha pounded Hong Kong on Sunday as the storm skirted southwards before making landfall on the coast of China's Guangdong province, leaving fallen trees and scaffolding and sending over 200 people to seek refuge at temporary shelters.

Typhoon Wipha caused severe weather in southern China and Hong Kong, leading to flash floods, landslides, and disrupted transportation. Guangdong and other coastal provinces faced heavy rainfall and wind hazards.

Powerlines were dragged down by a raging river amid the onslaught of Typhoon Wipha in Thailand. Footage shows the utility post toppling near the raging deluge in Pua Village, Nan, on Wednesday, July 23,

Vietnam's Prime Minister put coastal provinces on emergency footing for Typhoon Wipha, saying it could cause flooding and landslides, as airlines cancelled flights ahead of the storm's expected landfall early on Tuesday.

In response to Typhoon Wipha, the third to hit the East Sea (South China Sea) this year, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has decided to temporarily suspend the reception and operation of aircraft at airports located within the affected areas on July 21 and 22.

Tropical Storm Wipha made landfall in northern Vietnam on Tuesday, bringing strong winds and heavy rain to parts of the country’s north and central regions. The storm came ashore at 10 a.m. with maximum sustained winds of 102 kilometers per hour (63 mph),