Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) has held an emergency meeting to prepare for the looming Super Typhoon Ragasa. The meeting was attended by six licensed operators and the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) and saw participants discuss preparatory measures for the extreme weather.
Casinos Halt as the Strom Approaches
Among other things, the September 22 meeting saw authorities confirm the upcoming closure of all casino upon the issue of Typhoon Signal No. 8. The signal was eventually sounded by the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau and is currently in effect. Casinos across the special administrative region have temporarily halted their operation.
As per the announcement, employees and guests were arranged to exit casino premises within two hours of the issue of Typhoon Signal No. 8.
In the meantime, the DICJ will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that the anti-typhoon protocols are being followed. The bureau will remain in touch with casino properties across the SAR as the situation unfolds.
In the meantime, Macau has reiterated its commitment to keeping the public and tourists informed about upcoming closures, allowing them to prepare in advance.
Macau Highlights High Probability for Typhoon Signals 9 and 10
For context, Macau is bracing for the impact of Super Typhoon Ragasa, which is steadily approaching the SAR. At 5 pm local time, the Typhoon was located some 370 kilometers away from the region.
As the government prepares for its potential impact, multiple services have shut down, including public transport and ferry services.
As of 7 pm on September 23, the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau forecasted high probability for Typhoon Signals 9 and 10, as well as medium probability for a “black” Storm Surge Warning.
Typhoon Signal 9 is expected to be sounded on September 24, between 12 am and 2 am, with Signal 10 to follow between 4 am and 6 am. The black Storm Surge Warning is expected to be sounded in the early morning of September 24.
As of the time of this writing, Typhoon Signal 8 remain in effect, as well as a “red” Storm Surge Warning.