Hong Kong Prepares for Super Typhoon Ragasa: Classes Suspended, Emergency Measures Activated

Steering committee on handling extreme weather releases latest information

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.

Steering committee on handling extreme weather releases latest information Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE: Government to drive reform with new-term LegCo as election successfully concludes

​The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, made the following statement today (December 8) after the announcement of the results of the eighth Legislative Council (LegCo) General Election:

The eighth LegCo General Election has successfully concluded, with the election results for all 90 seats announced. On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, I would like to extend my congratulations to all LegCo Members successfully returned. I also thank the 161 candidates from different sectors, professions and backgrounds, as well as all sectors of the community, for their active participation.

The smooth and successful conduct of the election at a time when the Hong Kong community is collectively facing a difficult period carries profound significance. It demonstrates electors' support for the Government's commitment to recovery and reform following the tragedy, and for electing capable and committed LegCo Members to drive institutional reform. It showcases the spirit of unity, mutual care and support among the people of Hong Kong.

The successful conclusion of the LegCo General Election as scheduled reflects our adherence to and respect for the constitutional order and the rule of law. The election was the second LegCo General Election held after the implementation of the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" and the improved electoral system. Candidates actively participated in 39 open election forums, engaging in a high-quality, high-standard and healthy competition based on the principle of broad representation, balanced participation and fair competition.

I thank every one of the electors who have cast their vote for actively exercising their civic rights and responsibilities. Their passion for the election at this crucial time of recovery showed their unity in the face of challenges. They have elected an eighth-term LegCo composed of patriots who love Hong Kong and possess both integrity and capability, who will work with the Government in building a better Hong Kong - a home for us all.

To facilitate electors, the Government introduced a number of pioneering arrangements in this election, including extending polling hours by two hours to 16 hours, setting up Designated Polling Stations and Outreach Polling Stations for the convenience of various groups, and establishing Near Boundary Polling Stations to facilitate electors travelling to and from the Mainland and overseas. The overall polling process was smooth. The Government will review the experience to further enhance the procedures. I thank the Electoral Affairs Commission for its comprehensive and meticulous preparations, and the participation and efforts of all staff and volunteers involved in the election. Their work have ensured the election was concluded smoothly in an open, fair, honest, safe and orderly manner.

The community has gone through this difficult period brought by the fire together.I expect the eighth-term LegCo Members to join hands with the HKSAR Government to undertake support and recovery work following the tragedy. Through initiating debates, promoting the review and updating of legislation, and driving systemic reforms, we will make Hong Kong a safer city where citizens could live with greater peace of mind.

Under the executive-led system and the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong", the executive and the legislature will further engage in constructive interaction, complementing each other with due checks and balances to open up new ground for Hong Kong through innovation and reform, continuously develop the economy, and enhance people's livelihood. I am confident that the new-term LegCo Members will actively engage with the community and various sectors, better understand public opinion, proffer their views and advice, and lead the deepening reforms of Hong Kong together with the HKSAR Government to create a shared future together.

Source: AI-found images