Macau losses at MOP11 billion over Hato

Wednesday 6th of September 2017

Typhoon Hato, which struck Macau on August 23, is estimated to have caused around MOP 11.47 billion (US$1.4 billion) in economic losses, according to estimates from the government.

The damage included MOP 3.3 billion in direct losses, and MOP 8.1 in indirect losses.

The preliminary figures however did not include the potential losses of firms that had to suspend business operations due to typhoon damage.

Approximately 240 people were injured in the storm, and 10 people lost their lives.

The typhoon caused severe flooding and interruption to water and electrical supplies.

During a press conference, Lionel Leong, Secretary for Economy and Finance said that over a hundred public facilities were damaged, 500 hectares of forest areas were damaged and more than 500,000 trees were uprooted.

Macau’s chief executive, Mr Chui Sai On announced a number of measures to improve Macau’s response mechanism during public emergencies, including the strengthening of infrastructure to resolve flooding issues and ensuring the stability of power and water supplies.

The chief executive also announced the establishment of a committee to determine whether whether public departments and civil servants had acted appropriately during preparation for Typhoon Hato and in relation to relief work done in its aftermath.

Typhoon Loss Damage