As Typhoon Ragasa continues to intensify along the Guangdong coast, the Macao government is making preemptive arrangements to ensure citizens are prepared for the approaching storm.
Call for early preparations
The Civil Protection Operations Centre warned on Sunday(Sep 21) of potential water and power outages in the coming week, urging residents to stock up on essential emergency supplies.
Authorities recommend that citizens stockpile adequate drinking water, basic household water, radios, flashlights, portable chargers, canned goods, non-perishable food, first aid kits, and necessary medications.
Emphasizing the storm's potential risks, officials urged residents to reinforce wind and water-resistant defenses, check and secure windows, doors, scaffolding and signages that are vulnerable to strong winds.
Additionally, outdoor items such as flower pots and fragile objects should be cleared and secured to prevent them from falling.
Notably, businesses and residents in low-lying areas and basements are advised to prepare flood defenses, including flood prevention barriers and sandbags.
Suspended ferry services
To ensure the safety of maritime transport, some ferry services between Macao and Shekou, Shenzhen, have been suspended on Sunday (Sep 21), with all services set to halt from Monday (Sep 22).
Ferries between Macao and Fuyong, Shenzhen, as well as Zhongshan, will also be suspended from Sunday(Sep 21) until further notice.
Additional adjustments or cancellations to sea passenger services may also occur if the typhoon’s path moves closer, according to the Maritime and Water Bureau.
Citizens and travelers using waterways are encouraged to monitor weather conditions closely.
Preparations with tourism sector
In anticipation of the typhoon, the Macao Government Tourism Office has postponed and dismantled equipment related to the 33rd Macao International Fireworks Display Contest and the Fireworks Carnival.
The authorities have also reminded community organizations, clubs, and maritime service providers to stay updated on weather warnings and take timely emergency measures to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
Meanwhile, a meeting with hotel and tourism sectors will be held tomorrow (Sep 22) to reiterate safety protocols and prepare the industry with emergency procedures.
With predictions of significant impacts from Typhoon Ragasa, the government urges citizens to take immediate action to implement all necessary prevention measures.
The Civil Protection Operations Centre will continue to monitor the typhoon and will activate emergency mechanisms as needed to safeguard the lives and property of residents and travelers.
