The Macao Special Administrative Region government has approved the reopening of casinos at 2 a.m. on Thursday. Previously, due to the super typhoon "Hagasha," all casinos in Macao were closed on Tuesday afternoon as a precaution to ensure the safety of employees and tourists.
Typhoon Impact and Casino Closure
The super typhoon "Hagasha" made landfall around 5 p.m. on Tuesday, hitting Macao with wind speeds close to 200 kilometers per hour. The Macao Meteorological Bureau subsequently issued a No. 8 typhoon signal, and all casinos were required to cease operations. The typhoon continued to affect the area for about 30 hours, until the warning level was reduced to No. 3 on Wednesday night.
Storm Intensity and Damage Assessment
At the peak of the typhoon, wind speeds reached nearly 200 kilometers per hour, but the flooding impact was lower than expected, with some road sections only slightly over 1.5 meters above street level. According to media reports, the storm did not cause any fatalities or serious injuries in Macao, mainly affecting temporary closures of infrastructure and suspension of social activities.
Reopening Time and Conditions
After assessment by relevant departments in Macao, casinos are permitted to resume operations at 2 a.m. on Thursday. The government also reminds residents and tourists to be aware of the weather conditions, as strong rainfall, thunderstorms, and intermittent strong winds of level 7 to 8, with gusts up to 110 kilometers per hour, are still expected on Thursday.
Emergency Response and Historical Comparison
The Macao Civil Defense Action Center's performance in this typhoon response has been affirmed. This was the first major test for the center since its establishment in 2024. Preliminary reports had warned that the intensity of "Hagasha" could be comparable to the typhoons "Hato" in 2017 and "Mangkhut" in 2018, which had caused casualties and significant property damage.
Social Impact and Recovery Situation
During the typhoon, several public services in the Macao Special Administrative Region were temporarily suspended, including school closures, bridge closures, business shutdowns, and the temporary closure of Macao International Airport. Some residents took precautionary measures by moving to emergency shelters. As the weather improves, public services are gradually resuming normal operations.
