The popular spots for Hong Kong's Mid-Autumn Festivals have been severely damaged by the Typhoon Mangkhut, leaving them inaccessible. All 41 of the gazette public beaches and some parks, playgrounds, promenades and barbecue sites in the city were considered as "not suitable" for visits this year due to the damaged brought by the typhoon.
"In the wake of the adverse impact brought about by Mangkhut, which has led to various levels of damage to facilities and trees at many venues, the department is making great efforts to conduct clearance and repair work," the Leisure and Cultural Services Department said on Sunday. "Members of the public are advised not to go near or enter the cordoned-off areas at these venues for the sake of safety."
The affected sites are the popular Kowloon Walled City Park and storm-ravaged Siu Sai Wan Promenade, and the Repulse Bay and Shek O beaches in the Southern District on Hong Kong Island.
Special arrangements have been made for the spots that would remain open to the public, extended opening hours. Closing times at the Jordan Valley Park and the Hong Kong Velodrome Park in Sai Kung will be extended by two hours to 1 am on Tuesday, while Hong Kong Park will stay open for an extra hour, closing only at midnight on Monday.
Also, Victoria Park, which is one of the most popular traditional spots for Mid-Autumn Festival, will remain open. But, according to the South China Morning Post, the park was still strewn with fallen trees and storm debris. The majority parts of the central lawn remained cordoned off.
The department advised the public to keep these places clean, and avoid burning wax, putting lighted candles on grass or grounds, throwing objects on the trees, and fly sky lanterns.
"The lantern displays [put up at the park] are a bit disappointing this year ... but we're so lucky that Victoria Park is still open," said Billy Wong, who was out with his family on Sunday at Victoria Park.
Fai Wong, who is also a visitor at the park said: "It's not too bad but it doesn't feel perfect," he noted. "But what can you do? This typhoon was very serious. I think the arrangements are acceptable."
The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the eighth month in the lunar calendar. It is the second-most important Chinese holiday after Lunar New Year. Friends and families usually gather together for meals, and then followed by moon-gazing at parks or beaches with lanterns and candles over mooncake and tea.
