Hong Kong Government Urges Caution for Travelers in Japan Amid Megaquake Advisory

Government reminds Hong Kong residents to exercise caution when travelling to Japan due to megaquake advisory issued by Japanese authorities for parts of country

In view of a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that recently occurred off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture, and that the Japanese authorities have issued a megaquake advisory for parts of Japan, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today (August 12) reminded Hong Kong residents who are already there or intend to visit Japan to exercise caution.

A Government spokesman said, "Given it is now the peak travel season during the summer holiday and that Japan is a popular travel destination for Hong Kong residents, in light of the megaquake advisory for parts of Japan issued by the local authorities, the Government reminds Hong Kong residents who intend to visit the country or are already there to exercise caution, attend to personal safety and monitor the announcements by the Japanese authorities."

The Security Bureau, in view of the megaquake advisory for parts of Japan issued by the Japanese authorities, has already updated the Outbound Travel Alerts (OTA) webpage regarding supplementary information for Japan and will continue to closely monitor the situation there. Any update will be issued through the media, the Bureau's Mobile App and the OTAwebpage (www.sb.gov.hk/eng/ota).

Hong Kong residents in Japan who need assistance may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the Immigration Department Mobile Application, send a message to the 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline or the 1868 WeChat assistance hotline, submit the Online Assistance Request Form or contact the Chinese Embassy in Japan at the consular protection hotline: +81-3-6450-2195.

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Hong Kong residents are encouraged to use the online Registration of Outbound Travel Information service (www.gov.hk/roti) of the Immigration Department (ImmD) to register their contact details and itinerary when outside Hong Kong. The information provided allows the ImmD to disseminate practical information to them through appropriate means, including SMS on mobile phones, on a timely basis when necessary.

Source: AI-generated images

Fragrant flowers to go on display at Hong Kong Park

Members of the public will have a chance to take a closer look at different species of fragrant flowers at an exhibition to be held from September 20 (Friday) at the Forsgate Conservatory in Hong Kong Park under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

Plants with fragrant flowers are commonly used in gardening and home greening because of the rich, pleasant and refreshing scents that they emit. A rich variety of about 700 fragrant flowers will be showcased at the upcoming exhibition, including Arabian jasmine, Orange-jessamine, Crepe jasmine, Kwai-fah and Banana shrub.

As the national flower of the Philippines and Indonesia, Arabian jasmine is suitable for home cultivation. Its white flowers are fragrant and can be used for making tea.

The white flowers of Orange-jessamine have a powerful fragrance. It is a common choice for hedges due to its resilience.

The refreshing scent of the white flowers of Crepe jasmine makes it a popular choice for garden landscaping.

With tiny yellowish-white flowers that emit long-lasting and refreshing fragrance, Kwai-fah is often used in making desserts, brewing scented tea and creating floral liqueur.

The flowers of the Banana shrub are pale yellow with a rich, banana-like perfume. The Chinese name of the plant means "wearing a smile", because the flowers, usually partially open, resemble a person with a shy and reserved smile.

In addition to the presentation of over 40 species of fragrant flowers, display boards will also be set up to introduce their characteristics, planting tips and propagation methods. Park visitors are invited to attend the exhibition, which will be open to the public free of charge from 9am to 5pm daily from September 20 to October 31 at the Forsgate Conservatory of Hong Kong Park, 19 Cotton Tree Drive, Central.

Fragrant flowers to go on display at Hong Kong Park Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Fragrant flowers to go on display at Hong Kong Park Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Fragrant flowers to go on display at Hong Kong Park Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases