Hongkong Post announced today (February 4) that, as advised by the postal administration of Australia, due to the impact of severe weather, all mail delivery services to Queensland (postcodes 4804 to 4899) are subject to delay.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     During the winter surge, the Hospital Authority is closely monitoring the service demand of Accident and Emergency Departments and the occupancy rate in public hospitals. Key service statistics are being issued daily for public information. Details are in the appended table.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (February 4) that due to big waves, the red flag has been hoisted at Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District.  Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

     Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     The Marine Department today (February 4) reminded masters, coxswains and persons-in-charge of vessels navigating in Hong Kong waters to proceed at a safe speed and exercise extreme caution because restricted visibility of less than 2 nautical miles has been reported.

     Appropriate sound signals shall be made when underway or at anchor. All vessels must comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collision at Sea.

     Also, when radar is used without the benefit of adequate plotting facilities, the information obtained from the equipment is rather limited and should be construed accordingly.

     Visibility reports are broadcast by the Vessel Traffic Centre (VTC) on VHF channels 02, 12, 14, 63 and 67.

     In the event of an accident, a report shall be made immediately to the VTC at Tel: 2233 7801.

     Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident in Tseung Kwan O this morning (February 3) in which an 86-year-old woman died.

     At about 8.30am, a public light bus (PLB) driven by a 68-year-old man was travelling along Mau Yip Road eastbound. When approaching the junction of Mau Yip Road and Mau Tai Road, the PLB reportedly knocked down the 86-year-old woman who was crossing the road.

     Sustaining serious head injuries, the female pedestrian was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 1.20pm.

     The PLB driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm after the accident. He has been released on bail pending further enquiries and is required to report back to Police in late March.

     Investigation by the Accident Investigation Team of Traffic, Kowloon East is underway.

     Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 2305 7500.