Hong Kong brought to standstill by tropical storm

By DPA,

Hong Kong : Flights and other transport services were suspended and offices and businesses, including government departments and the stock exchange, were closed for much of Wednesday as tropical storm Kammuri battered the territory.


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Cathay Pacific Airways suspended all Hong Kong operations for four hours as a result of the strong winds caused by the storm.

All ferry services to Macau, southern China and Hong Kong’s outlying islands were also halted.

Most bus and tram services were also halted as people stayed home.

The strong winds brought down scaffolding and uprooted trees, but there have been no reports of serious damage or injuries.

Organisers responsible for the equestrian events taking place in Hong Kong as part of the 2008 Beijing Olympics said none of the horses had been affected by the storm.

“The horses have taken advantage of the wet weather and are resting peacefully in the stables. Many are sleeping and in very good condition,” a spokesman for the Equestrian Company said in a statement.

But two aircraft carrying 24 horses from China, the US and United Arab Emirates had been delayed by the storm although they were expected to arrive in the next 24 hours.

“Slight damage” was sustained to the competition venue but this will not affect the opening of the equestrian events Saturday, said the spokesman.

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