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| Photo taken from the Peak early this morning, when T8 was still in force (photo by Ednalyn Salvador) |
The
Consulate, through Consul General Raly Tejada, has announced that it will be closed today, Aug 19, and its services
suspended “until further notice” as a result of Typhoon Signal No 9 being
enforced across Hong Kong early this morning.
Typhoon
Higos was expected to make landfall this morning but veered away as it made its
way towards Guangdong.
But
the typhoon signal was lowered to 8 only at 7:40 am, then to No 3 just after
11am. All warning signals were lifted as of 1:20pm.
Congen Tejada said the Consulate will remain closed throughout the day,
and all applicants who have scheduled appointments have been notified that they
can choose any date after today to walk in for services.
The
typhoon also caused courts to close for the day. An announcement posted in the
government’s website said that all court hearings that had been affected will
be resumed tomorrow, Aug 20. Everyone due to attend court today should do so by
9:30am tomorrow.
However,
court or tribunal registries and offices will open starting at 2pm this
afternoon.
The
Immigration Department also announced that emergency services will resume two
hours after the cancellation of T8, which means, at around 1pm. Those provided
by the Branch Offices, Registration of Persons
Offices, Deaths Registries and Marriage Registries will resume at 2pm.
According to a government statement, seven people have sought
medical treatment in public hospitals as of 11am today as a result of the
typhoon. No serious injuries were reported.
The 1823 Government Call Centre received 48 reports of fallen
trees, while Leisure and Cultural Services Department received five of such
reports. Two flooding cases were also reported, but none about landslips.
The Home Affairs Department reportedly opened 25
temporary shelters in various districts and 103 people sought refuge at
the shelters.
Shortly after the typhoon signal was downgraded to 3, hundreds of people made their way to MTR stations and other modes of public transportation, to catch up with work. Most offices, including those in the private sector, opened in the afternoon.
Shortly after the typhoon signal was downgraded to 3, hundreds of people made their way to MTR stations and other modes of public transportation, to catch up with work. Most offices, including those in the private sector, opened in the afternoon.
