The Hurricane Signal No. 10 issued by the Hong Kong Observatory this morning (September 16) remains in force.

     The Home Affairs Department has so far opened 48 temporary shelters in various districts and 1 219 people have sought refuge at the shelters.

      As at 5pm, the 1823 Government Call Centre has received 179 reports of fallen tree and the Drainage Services Department has received 26 confirmed flooding cases. According to the Civil Engineering and Development Department and Lands Department, no report of landslide has been received.

      According to the Hospital Authority, as at 5pm, a total of 213 people, including 117 men and 96 women, have sought medical treatment at public hospitals during the typhoon period.

      The MTR Corporation is providing limited services. Tram, Peak Tram and ferry services were suspended. On air traffic, the Airport Authority Hong Kong reported that a total of 889 flights have been cancelled today.

     Severe Typhoon Mangkhut has brought about frequent strong winds and heavy rain, which have adversely affected Hong Kong. Considering that it takes time to clean and repair community facilities and the need to ensure student safety, the Education Bureau announces class suspension of all schools tomorrow (September 17) regardless of whether any Tropical Cyclone Signal and Rainstorm Warning Signal will still be in force.
      
     In accordance with the established guideline on contingency measures, schools should keep their premises open under safe conditions and arrange staff members to take care of students who have a genuine need to return to school in a safe place within the school premises. Parents should consider factors, such as their home conditions, the road conditions in the vicinity, the local district weather and the care that their children need when deciding whether to send them to school.
 

Attention TV and radio duty announcers:

     Please broadcast the following special announcement by the Education Bureau concerning schools and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     Classes of all evening schools are suspended today (September 16).

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations,

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

     The Tourism Commission announces that due to the issuing of Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 10 by the Hong Kong Observatory, "A Symphony of Lights" will be cancelled tonight (September 16).

     Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

     Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at
     suitable intervals:
      
     All 999 telephone hotlines are in operations but the service is very busy. Officers would take the call from members of the public as soon as possible.
      
     Members of the public could also call nearby police stations (https://www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/contact_us.html) for assistance.