IC warns: Stay away from Cultural Center

The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) warned the public in a statement yesterday to stay away from the Macau Cultural Center, “for their personal safety.”

The statement noted that of all IC entities, the Macau Cultural Center (CCM) is one of the facilities that has suffered the most extensive damage following Typhoon Hato, as its roof was severely damaged.

The bureau reported that the damage could “endanger public safety in a certain area” and it recommends “the public to avoid walking to that area for their personal safety.”

Staff of the Macau Cultural Center and other nearby entities are still required to work in and around the facility.

Also in the statement, the IC announced that it will distribute its budget to offer practical support to and funding for restoration measures concerning the damaged inflicted on cultural heritage sites following Typhoon Hato. The decision was announced following a meeting on Wednesday with the administrators of several temples and churches in the territory.

The IC has gradually collected information over the past week from temple and church administrators in order to carry out a comprehensive analysis and evaluation, needed to execute a restoration plan.

“The damage caused to temples and churches in Macau is basically under control. There is no significant danger to public and heritage buildings,” a statement released yesterday by the IC informed.

“The problems encountered are mainly caused by the collapse of trees which blocked access, wall or tile debris flaking off, electric wires damage resulting from the floods and health concerns related with the proliferation of mosquitos in still waters.”