Macao gov't prepares for super typhoon Mangkhut

MACAO -- China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government had stepped up its preparation efforts in response to the anticipated arrival of two typhoons Barijat and Mangkhut, with multiple measures put in place since early Thursday.

As of Thursday morning, Macao's Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau said Signal No 3 is still in effect, tropical cyclone "Barijat" (1823) is located about 320 km west-southwest of Macao and barrels toward the Leizhou peninsula of Guangdong Province.

The Marine and Water Bureau warned all ports and ships should be alert about coming storm and operate with caution.

The Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau has immediately started removing all the lanterns and decorations made for Mid-Autumn Festival, which may threaten people's safety.

The Secretary for Security Wong Sio Chak urged a 29-member civil protection management team and other public departments to pay particular attention to preparations in a meeting held at Macao Civil Protection Operations Center on Wednesday to discuss arrangements for the typhoons.

The government would use its utmost effort in responding in particular to Typhoon Mangkhut which has been classified as a "super typhoon," Wong said.

In addition, a representative of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Macao Garrison sat in on the meeting.

Wong added that should the situation require it, the SAR government could ask China's central government for assistance from the PLA Macao Garrison for the maintenance of social order and relief work in time of natural disaster.