The steering committee on handling extreme weather, led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, released the following information today (September 22) in response to the latest assessment and forecast on Super Typhoon Ragasa by the Hong Kong Observatory.

     According to the current forecast by the Observatory, the local weather is expected to deteriorate rapidly later tomorrow (September 23). The Observatory will consider issuing the Gale or Storm Signal No. 8 between 1pm and 4pm tomorrow. The weather will be persistently adverse on Wednesday (September 24). Gale to storm force winds will prevail locally, and winds may reach hurricane force offshore and on high ground. There will be frequent heavy squally showers and thunderstorms. Under the influence of significant storm surge, the sea level over coastal areas by then may be similar to that during Hato in 2017 and Mangkhut in 2018. Members of the public are advised to prepare immediately for high winds and flooding.

     Considering the aforementioned forecast by the Observatory, to ensure students' safety and to avoid students leaving the school when the weather may rapidly deteriorate, the Education Bureau (EDB) announces that classes in all schools, including secondary schools, primary schools, special schools, kindergartens, kindergarten-cum-child care centres and evening schools, will be suspended tomorrow and the following day (September 24). During the class suspension period, schools will not accept paper applications for discretionary places under the Primary One Admission (POA) 2026. The deadline for submitting paper applications has been extended to September 30 (Tuesday). Parents may also choose to submit e-applications via the POA e-Platform (epoa.edb.gov.hk) on or before September 26 (Friday). Details are available on the EDB's website.

     In view of the forecast by the Observatory that the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 will be issued tonight, the Social Welfare Department (SWD) advises members of the public not to take their children or family members to units providing child care centre services, services under the Neighbourhood Support Child Care Project, and after-school care programmes for pre-primary or primary school children, elderly services centres, day pre-school rehabilitation service units or day rehabilitation units including sheltered workshops, integrated vocational rehabilitation services centres, integrated vocational training centres and day activity centres. These centres and services units will, however, remain open during their normal operating hours to serve those whose families cannot provide alternative care for them. Members of the public who have the need for the services mentioned may contact the centres or services units concerned in advance. When the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above is hoisted, the aforementioned day child care services units, centres providing after-school care programmes, day rehabilitation units, elderly day services centres and SWD welfare services units will not open.

     District Offices have initiated relevant response measures. In view of the possible threats that Ragasa may pose to Hong Kong, District Offices will advance the opening of temporary shelters at 8am tomorrow for people in need. District Offices will closely monitor the situation, and if necessary, individual temporary shelters will commence operation earlier today. The Home Affairs Department has also activated a round-the-clock hotline (2572 8427) at noon today for public enquiries on the relevant information and will continue to release information on the operation of temporary shelters through different channels.

     In addition, District Offices have co-ordinated with relevant departments and organisations to enhance preparedness, setting up sandbags and water-stop boards, among others. District Council members, members of "the three committees" and Care Teams are mobilised to disseminate the latest weather information to residents in flood-prone areas, reminding them to make necessary preparations. Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to stay away from their homes or stay at temporary shelters.

     The Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC) under the Security Bureau was fully activated at 10.30am today, more than 24 hours earlier than normal, in order to achieve the objective of "early planning and early intervention". Utilising the Common Operational Picture, directorate officers of relevant departments at the EMSC conduct real-time citywide monitoring and integrate updates from various departments to swiftly assess risks and formulate response plans and measures. 

     Various emergency response teams, including the Fire Services Department, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Civil Aid Service and the Auxiliary Medical Service, are on standby and have completed all necessary preparatory work. Sufficient manpower has been deployed to handle possible emergencies during heavy rainstorms and high winds, and to provide assistance to those in need.

     The Government will closely monitor the situation in the city to assess whether to initiate the Government-wide Mobilisation mechanism after the typhoon for providing emergency support. The Civil Service Bureau has reminded all 77 bureaux and departments (B/Ds) to remain highly vigilant and stand ready to form quick response units at any time to provide support. Each B/D has also drawn up their lists of designated personnel for mobilisation and made duty rotation arrangements in advance.

     It is expected that Ragasa may pose serious threats to Hong Kong, Members of the public should be well prepared for the continued severe weather conditions over the next two days, including implementing emergency, wind and flooding prevention measures, with a view to reducing the risk of property damage and casualties. The Government also reminds residents in flood-prone areas and those who are staying in temporary structures, such as rooftop houses and squatter huts near slopes, to stay away from their homes or stay at temporary shelters. It also recommends that vehicles parked outdoors be parked indoors.

     Under the cross-departmental co-ordination by the steering committee, various government departments have completed all necessary preparatory work and response plans, served with their dedication to duty, and combined efforts to safeguard the lives and property of the public as well as public safety, with a view to minimising the threats and impact of the storm. The public is urged to stay alert and continue to pay attention to the latest news released by the Government.

Ends/Monday, September 22, 2025
Issued at HKT 15:45

NNNN