Locations of the Government’s 16 shelter centres and the four assembly points for transport service taking those who need to a nearby shelter centre.
The Government’s civil protection system will be activated fully from 9pm today, in order to prepare for the approach of Typhoon Mangkhut, classified as a super typhoon.
The Government is due to issue at 9pm a “Red” storm surge warning. This fourth-level warning in relation to rainstorms is issued in situations where floodwater levels are likely to be 1.5 metres to 2.5 metres above road level.
At that time, the Government’s evacuation plan for low-lying areas would be activated. It would mean approximately 21,000 people living in areas which are prone to serious flooding will be evacuated to safety. A total of 282 people categorised as in particular need, will receive assistance from the police in relation to the evacuation.
The Macao authorities are likely to issue Typhoon Signal No. 8 tomorrow morning (16 September); and it is likely Typhoon Signal No. 10 – the highest category in the city’s six-level typhoon warning system – would be hoisted on Sunday afternoon.
The information was provided today during a press conference held by the Office of the Government Spokesperson, at the Government Headquarters.
The Government has already prepared for the most challenging possible scenarios regarding the impact such a typhoon might have on the community. As a result, the Government had the capability to adapt to, and handle as necessary, any situation.
In response to the anticipated weather forecast and in line with the city’s evacuation plan, the Government’s network of 16 emergency shelters across Macao will also open at 9pm. The centres have a capacity for an aggregate of 24,000 people.
Senior citizens and people with limited mobility will be able to use a transport service that will take them from any one of four assembly points, to a nearby shelter.
An aggregate of 15 public car parks will be closed within an hour of the issuance of a Signal No. 8 tropical cyclone warning – or above – or the issuance of a third-level storm surge warning.
The Government has already made available, free of charge, more than 1,820 spaces for private vehicles and motorcycles. The spaces are located, respectively, in car parks of public departments, higher education institutes, public-sector schools and public housing estates.
The Government has additionally coordinated arrangements regarding provision of an aggregate 2,770 spaces for private vehicles. They have been provided by hotel resorts – without charge – in order to fulfil public demand for safe parking during the typhoon period.
When asked about the issue of suspension of casino operations during a typhoon, the Secretary for Security, Mr Wong Sio Chak, said during today’s press conference, that currently there were neither regulations – nor powers vested with the Government under the terms of the gaming concessions and sub-concessions – to effect such a decision.
Nonetheless, in view of considerations regarding the safety of casino employees and the maintenance of social order, should the situation require, the Chief Executive might order casinos to suspend operations.