Macau advice following deadly typhoon

A tree that was uprooted by strong winds from Typhoon Hato is seen in Macau, China August 24, 2017. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu
By Hannah Edensor


The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) is making unreserved efforts to coordinate and handle various tasks in the wake of Typhoon Hato, which has killed at least 12, per ABC reports, injured more than 150 and left the city with widespread damage.

With wind gusts of up to 240km/h compounded by severe tidal conditions, the former Portuguese enclave felt the full fury of the typhoon, the most severe storm to hit the city in more than five decades.

The high tide created massive flooding in low-lying areas, causing a city-wide blackout, water supply stoppages and telecommunication breakdowns.

The disaster relief authorities reported 290 incidents caused by the typhoon, such as falling trees, antenna cables and advertising boards.

It was the first time since 1999 that Macau had hoisted the No. 10 signal, the highest typhoon warning signal, officials said.

MGTO operates its tourist information counters at the Ritz Building, Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, Border Gate, Macau International Airport and Taipa Ferry Terminal as usual to attend to visitors.

Due to various degrees of damage at the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal and Taipa Ferry Terminal, tour groups to Macao were affected. The MGTO is looking into their situations.

The MGTO has also approached hotel properties for further information on their situations, including their status of water and power supply as well as room reservation.

If visitors have already made their room reservation or are planning to make a reservation in Macao, they are advised to enquire with the respective hotels of their latest situations.

The MGTO has also assigned inspectors to patrol different ports of entry in Macao for prompt awareness of the latest situations.

The tourism body is currently examining and accessing the situations and conditions concerning its upcoming events. If any new arrangement arises, a public notice will be made accordingly.

MGTO advises residents and visitors to pay attention to the situations concerned.

For enquiries, MGTO advises travellers to contact the 24-hour tourism hotline service at 0011 853 28333000.

Image: Reuters

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