Tropical storm Fengshen moves further away from Hong Kong

Tropical storm Fengshen moves further away from Hong Kong
www.chinaview.cn 2008-06-25 16:31:43

HONG KONG, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong Observatory replaced the No. 8 Southwest Gale or Storm Signal by Strong Wind Signal No. 3 at 11:15 a.m. here (0315 GMT) Wednesday, as the Tropical Storm Fengshen is moving further away from the territory.

Although schools, financial markets suspended in the morning, the city was spared of major damage during the passage of Tropical Storm Fengshen Wednesday. All rainstorm warnings were canceled at 12:20 p.m. here (0420 GMT) while Northern New Territories Flooding warning and Landslip warning are still in force.

The Hong Kong Airport Authority said a total of 139 flights arriving in or leaving the city had been delayed or canceled on Wednesday morning due to the bad weather.

Public transport companies are gradually resuming their services since Wednesday noon. There were 27 floodings at various locations throughout Hong Kong and three landslide incidents up to 11:00 a.m. Five reports of collapsed scaffoldings were received by the Buildings Department of Hong Kong. No injuries from these incidents were reported.

There were a number of reports of full or partial road closure due to fallen tress or collapsed scaffolding. The Transport Department of Hong Kong has liaised with bus operators to make necessary re-routing arrangements.

The Education Bureau of Hong Kong announced all day schools including bisessional PM primary schools remain suspended Wednesday.

Child care centers, elderly services centers and day rehabilitation units re-opened from 2 p.m.

The Judiciary of Hong Kong announced that all courts, tribunals, court registries and offices will remain closed Wednesday.

Clinics of the Department of Health of Hong Kong, venues of the Leisure and Cultural Service Department and the Immigration Department resumed normal service two hours after the cancellation of typhoon signal No. 8.

Home Affairs Department has opened 22 temporary shelters and up to 11 a.m., 124 people have sought refuge at the shelters.