With Super Typhoon Mangkhut approaching Hong Kong, the Security Bureau this afternoon (September 15) activated the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC) when Strong Wind Signal No. 3 was issued at 4.20pm, in order to co-ordinate the preparatory work and resources across various departments.

     The Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, visited the EMSC upon its activation and was briefed on the measures in place. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, also arrived at the EMSC, to gain a better understanding of the emergency plans of relevant departments with Mr Lee.

     All government departments have fully activated their emergency plans to deal with the possible threats brought by Super Typhoon Mangkhut.

     Mr Cheung and Mr Lee expressed their appreciation to colleagues for their dedication to their jobs and concerted efforts to cope with the situations under the influence of Mangkhut.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

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

     The Marine Department has announced that Tuen Mun Typhoon Shelter is now full.

     Local vessels are advised to use other typhoon shelters.

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
    
     The Hong Kong Observatory has announced that Super Typhoon Mangkhut will bring adverse weather to Hong Kong tomorrow (September 16). If the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above or Black Rainstorm Signal is issued and/or remains in force two hours before the scheduled time of the guided educational tours of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Complex, the tours will be cancelled. Service of the Children's Corner will also be suspended.
      
     Services will be resumed two hours after the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above or Black Rainstorm Signal is cancelled. However, if the Signal is cancelled at or after 3pm, services will be suspended for the whole day.
 

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 (September 15) that due to big waves, red flag has been hoisted at Butterfly Beach in Tuen Mun District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.

     The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah, today (September 15) met with the Vice Mayor of Almaty, Mr Arman Kyrykbayev, in Almaty, Kazakhstan, to exchange views on strengthening co-operation between the two places. Mr Lau also visited cultural and sports facilities in Almaty.

     Tonight, Mr Lau will attend a concert jointly presented by Hong Kong and Kazakhstan. Young Hong Kong musicians who play Chinese and Western music will perform alongside renowned Kazakhstan musical ensembles including the State Academic Symphony Orchestra of Kazakhstan, the Kazakh State String Quartet and the Turan Kazakh Ensemble. Some of the music pieces were composed by a young Chinese musician, Meilina Tsui, who was born in Kazakhstan. She will also take part in the performance.

     Under a theme of transcending the boundaries of time and space, the performing groups will showcase the characteristics of Hong Kong and Kazakhstan music. In addition to introducing the music culture of Hong Kong to the audience in Kazakhstan, the concert also represents the commencement of a cultural friendship between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan.

     Tomorrow, Mr Lau will attend the opening ceremony of the Alma Fest. The festival is a traditional celebration event of Almaty City Day, when local people participate in various kinds of cultural and recreational activities. After visiting football facilities, Mr Lau will leave Kazakhstan in the evening.