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Six hours after No. 8 Northeast Gale or Storm Signal was issued at 10:40 pm last night with the approach of Typhoon Imbudo, there have been no reports of major incidents, apart from some disruptions to transport services.

While all ferry companies had suspended their services, the level of land transport services was reduced gradually to match passenger demand.

At the Hong Kong International Airport, 11 arrival and 13 departure flights were cancelled, while one arrival and one departure flights were delayed.

A total of 47 cases of fallen trees have been reported, but no reports of serious flooding were received.

The Buildings Department has received 24 emergency calls relating to the collapse of signboards, fallen concrete and plaster and other materials, such as drying and flower racks.

There were some reports of obstructions caused by fallen trees and scaffolding at some roads. Stubbs Road near AIA Building in Wan Chai is operating one-lane-two-way due to obstructions. Inner Gloucester Road near Wan Chai Police Station is closed.

The collapse of a scaffolding near Tin Wan Shopping Centre in Tin Wan Street has necessitated the closure of all Tin Wan Hill Road bound lanes.

In Cheung Sha Wan Road, as a result of fallen objects near Tai Nam West Street, only one Mei Foo bound lane is open to traffic.

The Home Affairs Department has opened 29 temporary shelters in various districts. As of 4:30 am, a total of 145 individuals have sought refuge in them.

End/Thursday, July 24, 2003

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