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All rainstorm warnings have been cancelled at 1.30pm. The thunderstorm warning and landslip warning are still in force.
The black rainstorm warning issued at 6.40 am this morning (June 7) was replaced by the red rainstorm warning at 11 am and subsequently replaced by the amber rainstorm warning at 11.30am.
Due to landslips and heavy rain, blockage of roads and widespread congestion was experienced in most parts of the territories, including Central, Wan Chai and Western Districts, most part of Kowloon and New Territories. Congestion in Hong Kong and Kowloon has eased now. Traffic situation in Central, Wan Chai and Western and Urban Kowloon are improving.
All railway services generally operate normally. Some bus services were suspended or diverted in response to local traffic conditions.
Due to landslip and flooding, North Lantau Highway was completely closed at about 8.30 am, affecting all bus services using the Highway. Staff of Highways Department are working on the site.
A total of 39 landslide incidents have been reported to the Geotechnical Engineering Office since 1.10 am when the landslip warning was issued by the Hong Kong Observatory.
As regards flooding, 124 cases were reported throughout the territory up to 1 pm. Drainage Services Department has issued flooding alert to Sheung Wan shop operators early this morning and deployed an emergency team to clear up the drainage at around 6 am today.
Two persons have been reported trapped under a collapsed concrete slab at Cafeteria Old Beach, Tuen Mun. A total of 40 firemen from the Special Rescue Squad of the Fire Services Department are deployed to the location. So far, firemen attended 57 flood-related calls.
The Education Bureau has announced that classes of all day schools are suspended today.
In addition, all Central Allocation Centres for Primary One Admission are closed today. Parents may go to the designated Central Allocation Centres tomorrow (June 8) to collect the Registration Forms.
The Home Affairs Department has opened four temporary shelters for people in need of temporary accommodation. Up to 12.30 pm, only one person has made use of these shelters.
The Judiciary announced that all courts, tribunals, court registries and offices are closed today.
The Immigration Department announced that services at the Immigration Headquarters, Branch Offices, Registration of Persons Offices and Births, Deaths and Marriage Registries, except Hong Kong City Hall Marriage Registry are suspended today.
Air traffic has also been affected with one flight cancelled and 100 arrivals or departures delayed as up to 12.05 pm.
Ngong Ping 360 is closed today.
Ends/Saturday, June 7, 2008
Issued at HKT 13:43
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