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Hong Kong became a quiet city as Typhoon Hagupit stayed in force. Most scheduled activities, including horse racing, had been cancelled or postponed tonight (September 11). At 8 pm, typhoon signal no 8 has been issued for more than six hours so far, no major incidents, flooding, landslips, injuries or damage were recorded.

However, Marine Department received two more calls for help at 6 pm. A Mainland fishing vessel outside around 43 nautical miles southwest of Hong Kong was in danger with 13 people on board. Another tow boat outside Zhu Hai airport was found flooding and 16 people were on board. The Hong Kong Flying Service is carrying out rescue operations.

On air transport, six incoming flights and seven departure flights were cancelled, five flights were diverted while 23 incoming flights and 33 departure flights were delayed. Air passengers should check with airlines before leaving for the airport.

Since the issue of typhoon signal no 8 at 1.40 pm, 98 people sought refuge at 25 temporary shelters of the Home Affairs Department.

Up till 7 pm, 26 people were injured and sent to hospitals, among them, five were admitted.

There were 31 reports of fallen trees or trunks received by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department but no serious road closure was caused.

End/Wednesday, September 11, 2002

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