Fallen trees and branches are seen on the streets of Hong Kong after typhoon Saola swept across southern China. The megacity avoided a feared direct hit from one of the region's strongest storms in decades.

"Yesterday, it was a bit scary because the wind was so strong, and of course we were just staying at home, and staying positive that it would be alright," says Angelie, who works in the city, adding that there were broken windows and fallen trees in her estate.