Macau enters prevention stage; flights and ferries suspended as T8 hits

Several flights have already been canceled due to Tropical Storm Tapah, as Typhoon Signal No. 8 has now gone into effect.

Starlux Airlines confirmed the cancellation of several flights between Taiwan, Macau, and Hong Kong for this evening and tomorrow.

According to the airline’s statement, flights JX205/206 between Taipei and Macau, and JX331/332 between Taichung and Macau are canceled for Sunday. On Monday, flights JX201/202 between Taipei and Macau and JX233/234 between Taipei and Hong Kong will also be suspended.

Information from the airport’s website also shows several flights of Air Macau, including routes to Jakarta, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Taipei, as well as flights operated by other airlines to Macau.

In addition, sea travel has been halted, with the Marine and Water Bureau (DSAMA) announcing a suspension of all ferry services until further notice.

The Fire Services Bureau (CB) advises residents to check the stability of doors and windows and to stock adequate water and supplies. Citizens are also warned to avoid low-lying areas and basements and to stay clear of scaffolding, billboards, and building balconies.

Tropical Cyclone Tapah is expected to strengthen, with both the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) and the Hong Kong Observatory warning residents earlier today of an imminent upgrade to Signal No. 8.

As of 8 p.m., SMG reported that Tapah was located approximately 240 kilometers south of Macau. The storm is moving north-northwest at about 20 km/h and is forecast to approach the western coast of Guangdong soon.

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Observatory announced it will raise the Gale or Storm Signal No. 8 at 9:20 p.m., preceded by a “Pre-No. 8 Special Announcement” about two hours earlier.

Following a flood warning issued earlier by SMG for low-lying areas, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) approved the temporary closure of the Inner Harbour Mocha Club at 9 p.m.

At the same time, the Transport Bureau (DSAT) reminded residents and tourists that all public transportation services in Macau will be suspended due to the typhoon.

The last buses for all public routes will begin departing from 8:40 p.m. onward.

The last buses tonight will depart at 8:40 p.m. for Route 21A, at 9:00 p.m. for Routes 50, 56, and 73, at 9:15 p.m. for Routes 11, 22, 30, 52, and 55, at 9:30 p.m. for Routes 28A, 35, 36, 71, MT1, and MT2, and at 10 p.m. for multiple routes including 1, 2, 2A, 3, 3A, 3X, 6A, and 7.

All six night bus routes will be temporarily suspended until further notice.

Meanwhile, following a dispatch from the Chief Executive and in accordance with the Civil Protection Law (Law No. 11/2020), Macau entered the immediate prevention stage.

Authorities urge all residents to follow safety protocols, secure homes, and avoid unnecessary travel as the city braces for the storm’s impact.