Kerebi DAVID

Despite wet weather in Solomon Islands on Tuesday 17th October 2023, thousands from Munda’s surrounding villages of Kindu and Dunde, as well as others who travelled from Rendova, New Georgia and even Gizo braved the weather to witness the opening of the new Munda International terminal building in Munda. Solomons Prime Minister Honourable Manasseh Sogavare, VIP’s and guests boarded the A320 in Honiara, a 35-minute flight to Munda, which was the first officially flight to land on the new Munda International terminal to signify the officially opening of the airport. The Flight also included over 100 fare paying passengers, who were allowed for a clearance of a massive backlog of passengers and cargo. Guests at the opening of the new International Airport also included Members of Parliament, Members of the Western Provincial Assembly, Diplomatic Corps, Heads of Governmental Departments, State Owned Enterprises, Tourism Solomons Head of Sales and Marketing, Ms. Fiona Teama and Team Leader Product Marketing, Mr. Garedd Porowai as well as other supporting organizations. In the opening Remarks, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, Moses Virivolomo stated that the opening of the terminal is a major development milestone for Solomon Islands, and he thanked the partners for their continues support. “The project has now come to completion with the opening of the terminal today and this was made possible with the help of these supporters, CCEC, China United, New Zealand Government, British Government, and the Ministry of Communication and Aviation.” Mr Virivolomo further urged residents of Munda to be proud of the new facilities and to care of the terminal facilities. “The current SIDRAP Phase 2 project is also looking at upgrades and improvements to other domestic runways in Makira-Ulawa Province and Temotu Province”, he also added. Furthermore the keynote speech during the official opening was delivered by the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Honorable Manasseh D. Sogavare, who congratulate the Minister of Communications and Aviation, Honorable Ped Shanel Agovaka on his ministry’s contribution and commitment to making this a success. Prime Minister also thanked all involved, particularly the landowning tribes who put aside all disputes to allow Government access to their land for this development. “All Solomon Island tribes must allow access to their land for positive and beneficial developments such as the Munda Terminal, thus such development will also bring in more benefits in the tourism sector.” The event ended with guests being treated to lunch at Agnes Gateway Hotel, accompanied with Congala Bamboo Bands, songs, and Dances.

Rolland Banaba was and still is a household name, a name synonymous with daily 93 YUMI FM News for over a decade. He was the style “PAWAFUL MANGI HAGITA,” as Kasty would put it in his introduction every 5pm and 6pm evening during weekdays when Rolland was to go on air to present his news live on 93 Yumi FM. He was the Milne Bay “size 28 guy” who spoke what many listeners said was the most “fluent Tok Pisin” on the radio and even off the radio. Rolland or better known as “Rolly Bee” was a senior journalist and a long serving YUMI FM News Editor and he joined PNGFM in March of 2008. He was also part of the PNG HAUSBUNG news website team until his untimely passing. His dedication, work ethic, humour, generosity, "think smarter not harder" attitude and warm personality will be missed by us all. He loved being a journalist and passing his skills onto the next generation of upcoming journalists. His passing is a great loss to the PNGFM News team, particularly the YUMI FM News brand. His passing is also a great loss to the media fraternity because he was someone who dedicated himself to the main stream media, especially radio. From the numerous tributes from shocked and heartbroken colleagues in the industry, he was well-respected and liked and so many reporters post of how much they have learned during their training or first job experiences with PNGFM News. Besides his job, and more importantly, Rolly Bee was a great father and husband to his beloved beautiful wife Mrs Decosta Dindillo Banaba and their precious children Varshney, Rolland Jnr, Poulyn and baby Johcyl. It is not fair that he won’t be there to wish his eldest daughter Vashney and only son Rolly Jnr “All the best “in their upcoming Grade 10 & Grade 8 respective National Examinations. Rolly Bee loved his Soccer games just like most Milne Bay people and he would never miss a soccer game where his family or kids took part, ensuring he would be cheering them on from the sidelines. There was never a dull moment with Rolly around because he knew how to make every one laugh and when I say laugh, I mean the kind of laugh where you laugh until you almost cry, until you are on the floor. Rolly Bee had special unique nick names for each individual or group that he has in his life. His humour and contagious laugh and smile will not only be missed by us at the office but also the guards at the gate, but also the buai sellers next to the office because he was liked and loved by all. Rolly knew how to befriend people of any status or ethnicity. It is exactly because of his nature and fun-loving ways, his death came as such a shock to so many of us, as he chose to keep private his short battle for the last six months with his illness. We will miss him the most when we hear an afrobeats song or a new local hit and every time we see a hardy bottle, we will remember him because we also know he much he loved a cold one.   Tributes keep flooding his wall and this is proof that Rolly Bee has walked this life as a style “PAWAFUL MANGI HAGITA,” touching so many lives in his own special way. From the PNG FM NEWS team, and your entire PNGFM family – past and present Rolly Bee - rest now leader, hang up that headset and turn off that volume on your mic. You have run your race well and your legacy will live on – for now, you take your rest. We will see you again someday soon on that golden morning. For now, go ahead and start giving nicknames to the angels up there and keep them entertained with your antics and humor! Rolly Bee you are loved and will forever be in our hearts, we will hold on to all the memories we had shared together. May your beautiful soul rest in eternal love and peace. Aioni!

The PNG National Weather Service has already declared El Nino over the country as of 19th September and this will continue into the dry season in 2024. That’s from the National Weather Service Director Mr. Jimmy Gomoga. “A look at the Ocean Conditions, El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), all requirements have been fulfilled and that is that the threshold for El Nino have been reached.” “However, despite having El Nino, the Southern Hemisphere Spring has kicked in on the 13th of September and we are currently in the spring season.” Gomoga told PNG HAUSBUNG that we are gradually moving into the wet season now and with the wet season kicking in around late November towards early December the impact of the El Nino drought will not be felt as much during the wet season. “With the wet season, it should ease down on the impacts of drought, however come 2024-2025, dry season will be the hardest times.” He added that they have already put out the drought map and observing provinces that are now under drought watch. “The places expected to be hit worse by El Nino drought are Western Province, Gulf, Southern Highlands Province, parts of Highlands regions, Central Province, Milne Bay and Northern Province and they are currently under watch.” “The El Nino drought is expected to be severe than before, and it will not only affect those provinces under drought watch, but it will be wide spread and almost all the parts of the country.” Gomoga urged all to prepare for the worse in the coming drought as this time the country will have a very bad dry season.

This summit builds on the historic first-ever Summit which happened last year and augments discussions on shared priorities and commitments after the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Dialogue, in Port Moresby, earlier in May 2023. The Summit will focus on key priority issues of climate change, sustainable and inclusive economic development, maritime security, rules-based international order, and other multilateral priorities. Prime Minister James Marape arrived in Washington D.C 9pm Washington time on Sunday Evening to be part of the 2nd United States-Pacific Island Country Summit. At the arrival Treasurer Ling-Stuckey and Hon. Justin Tkatchenko were there to welcome PM Marape. In US President Joe Biden’s invitation letter to PM Marape to the 2nd US-PIC Summit in Washington D.C., early this month, Biden highlighted significant points to be discussed at the US-PIC Summit. “United by our shared values, this Summit will be an opportunity to discuss how we can continue advancing our shared vision of a free and open, resilient, and prosperous Pacific,” President Biden highlighted in his letter. President Biden added that includes building off the progress last September when our governments reaffirmed our commitment to partner with one another in pursuit of this vision through the first-ever Declaration on U.S.-Pacific Partnership. President Biden highlighted that they will also discuss opportunities to bolster Pacific regionalism. “And we will focus on how we can deepen our cooperation on top challenges including tackling the climate crisis; advancing economic growth; promoting sustainable development; strengthening health security; expanding our people-to-people ties; and countering illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing,” “I look forward to welcoming you and our fellow Leaders to the White House, where we will take our partnership to new heights. “Together, I am confident we will not only continue to transform our plans into progress we will shape a future of greater possibilities for our people and people around the world.”

Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change Hon Simo Kilepa was also part of the delegation to the 78th United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York, US. Minister Kilepa and Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso also join other Pacific Island Country leaders in the Climate Ambition Summit. During the 78th United Nations General Assembly meeting, there were high level Summits like Sustainable Development Goals, Climate Ambitions Summit and General Debate including other key events. And during the Climate Ambitions Summit discussions were held around a new reform program to enable the Fund to efficiently manage USD 50 billion by 2030. Revealed at the UN Climate Ambition Summit in New York, the “50 by30” vision sets out to:  Enhance support for the most vulnerable people and communities,  Mobilize private sector participation and investments,  Reinvent the partnership model including the accreditation process,  Expedite project review and approvals and  Pivot operations to prioritize broad scale, system transforming programs over isolated projects. Minister Kilepa while welcoming this initiative also emphasized that the amount of funds accessed already by PNG is still very insignificant and it is of great concern. “Having heard from country leaders so far during the Climate Ambition Summit, it is clear that current funding is inadequate to enable swift implementation of adaptation and mitigation activities in Papua New Guinea”, he said. Minister Kilepa specifically requested for Green Climate Fund to consider developing a special set of criteria to enable PNG and other small island developing states to qualify and successfully draw-down its financial support for priorities including displaced communities experiencing loses and damages due to severe impacts of climate change. A request was made to the Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Ms. Mafalda Duarte to send a strong message to Accredited Entities to start re-prioritizing and align to PNG’s GCF Country Program and move projects in the pipeline. Minister Kilepa on behalf of the Marape Rosso Government further extended an invitation to Ms. Duarte to attend next year’s National Climate Summit which will focus on implementation and climate finance. Minister Kilepa thanked GCF for the opportunity to engage and pledged support to engage more constructively when PNG takes up membership to the GCF Board next year as alternative board member under the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Seat.

Meet Patricia Bala, a Laboratory Scientist who has just published her first book titled “SUCCESS”. Ms Patricia Bala is from Rigo District in the Central Province and married to Gaire village and a young mother of two beautiful young boys. Ms. Bala stated that it was always her passion to write a book and publish it and throughout her life she has being writing but to write a book, the determination was strong last year. “I started writing my book “Success” last year, 2022 around May and by December 2022 my book was complete.” “But finding a publisher was another issue to go through from January until now.” Ms. Bala expressed gratitude to Publisher Mr. Shane Baiva, who is a local Publisher from the Shane Baiva Publishing House who finally agreed to publish Ms. Bala’s Book. Bala described that book as a biography of her own life from her elementary school days through to grade 12, saying that is only part 1 of her life story from her childhood. “I am surrounded by successful people and this book is my own Success that I hope will be an inspiration to others so that they can also be successful in their own corner.” “This book is aimed at inspiring young school kids and there are about 140 pages and 10 chapters in my book and because it’s aimed at school kids, there is a glossary section at the back on the book.” She described her journey in writing has a tough one, given her background as a Laboratory Scientist. She said, words were not her thing when she deals with numbers and formulas daily, but it was the burning passion for writing that drove her to write her book. “When at work I spend every lunch break to write and 2 hours when I am on call to write and whenever I am free at home I try to write, and I am thankful for my husband who is always understandable and allows me to take time off from home chores to write.” Bala added that writers know that if you want to write about something, you must get it well researched, or it must be something you know from your heart so for her it was her own experience down the memory lane. She also mentioned that this book has taken her on a very different journey in life and has made her more passionate to write more books and already there are people approaching her to write about their biography so this is one area of story writing she might tap into, and she is excited about it. She is now encouraging writers around the country to continue write. “Publishing can be hard but keep writing, if PNG don’t read your book, then there is a whole world out there to read your book so whatever you want to write about just write it.” “My book “SUCCESS” is up for sale now for K150 and the money raised from the sale will go towards setting up a library in my village Lalomarugu, in Rigo District, Central Province.”

“For the very first time a homegrown National Sustainable Land Use Planning Policy for the country is to be launched.” "On this momentous occasion I want to inform you of the importance of the land use policy, the National Sustainable Land Use Policy ushers in the beginning of new era in PNGs development and growth as a country and I have confidence that this policy shall chart the way forward for planning, allocation, wise use and management of land and resources management in our nation Papua New Guinea." This was said by Deputy Prime Minister and National Physical and Lands Minister John Rosso at the recent launching of the PNG National Sustainable Land Use Policy, 2022-2023. Rosso who spoke on behalf of Prime Minister James Marape highlighted this as a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. Papua New Guinea is regarded as one of the most extremely diverse country in the world due to its high levels of customary land ownership said DPM Rossi. “Land use continues to change considerably across Papua New Guinea as more and more land is cleared to cater for land use activities such as agriculture, logging, mining and if not taken care of well, all will lead to land degradation.” "On the 16th of September 1975 Papua New Guinea gained its independence from Australia and this year the country marks 48 years and in the year 2025 PNG will turn 50 years old, and this is a significant milestone in waiting." " This is a testament of PNG’s thriving democracy amidst the challenges and as the country comes of age, it is time for us to reflect and take stock of the way we use and manage our finite land and resources." Rosso further added that it is also time to chart forward sustainable land use planning strategies that is responsive to the needs of the present and future generation of our country. He emphasized that for far too long we have lack good foresight and planning in the way we manage our land and how we use our natural resources which continues to threaten the unity, the internal and national security of the country as well as the livelihood our people. He said care must be taken in ensuring the land tenure rights of the landowners are protected and that they carry a pivotal role together with the Government in the development and growth of PNG. "Papua New Guinea is experiencing rapid economic and social transformation because of modernization and with it are issues attributed to the exploitation of its abundant natural resources.” “The National Sustainable Land Use Policy is the government's response to the country’s need for policy coherence and coordination in land use planning in Papua New Guinea." Rosso highlighted that the policy intended to provide the clear guideline on the best use of land and enable meaningful participation in land and resource management. The policy brings equal attention in land use policy making and land use planning both of which are important to facilitate sustainable development. "By putting this national land use policy forward, the Marape-Rosso created the pathway for sustainable development but also bearing in mind our policy decision does not compromise the rights of the future generation but empowers them to inherit the rich natural heritage our people enjoy at this moment in time."

“Papua New Guinea remains concerned about our overall slow progress in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a direct result of the unprecedented pandemic, ongoing conflicts, including the climate, crisis and development financing.” These were the words His Excellency Mr. John Rosso, MP Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Immigration, Lands and Physical Planning made at the United Nations General Assembly 78th Session Sustainable Development Goals Summit Leaders Dialogue 1 in New York yesterday 18th September 2023. Rosso when addressing the American President Joe Biden highlighted that despite all these concerns his government is committed to working towards achieving the SDGs. “Our Fourth Medium Term Development Plan 2023 to 2027, with the Theme of “National Prosperity through Growing the Economy”, launched in July this year, reaffirms my government’s commitment to accelerate and deliver on the 2030 Agenda.” “To highlight this, as an example, on SDGs 6, 7, 9 and 11, our “Connect Papua New Guinea” flagship infrastructure program was developed to transform the country’s socio-economic landscape by improving connectivity.” Rosso stated that PNG Government has identified the measures needed to do so in a more comprehensive, focused, resourceful, and accountable way, and that they have launched special economic zones to attract investment in downstream processing, housing projects, and path to a fully pledged digital Government. Papua New Guinea welcomes development partners in this regard and thanks those who continue to lend their valued and constructive assistance and partnership; however, Papua New Guinea calls for development partnership on an equal footing rather than a donor-recipient lens he added. “Our new strategic development plan requires that development partners align their assistance and work in conformity with our development roadmap”, he said. “1SDG 6-Clean Water and Sanitation; SDG 7 - Affordable Clean Energy; SDG 9-Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 11- Sustainable Cities and Communities.” “Mr. President, we recognize the national need for greater ownership and leadership as well as domestic resource mobilization for national development and to drive forward the SDGs and to assist developing countries, like my own, to achieve their plans, including the SDGs, the following are needed.” Rosso highlighted 3 main agendas that the PNG Government is focused on: • Firstly, all must have a renewed commitment in delivering the 2030 Agenda and ensure that the resources, including technology, climate financing, needed to deliver on it are accessible, affordable and in a timely manner. • Secondly, there needs to be a fundamental shift towards a new reformed global economic and financial framework that captures all countries development aspirations. Such a need for this transformation is urgently required if we are to achieve the SDGs, the current status quo on the international financing architecture falls short of meeting the development needs of developing nations like mine. • Thirdly, we need fair, just, and equitable returns from our natural resource development as critical to support our own revenue raising measures to progress our national development priorities, including on the SDGs. This value adding on the resources will create more jobs and reduce poverty. Deputy Prime Minister Rosso further encouraged development partners to assist developing countries like Papua New Guinea with investments in downstream processing of their natural resources and consider debt for nature swaps to help us help ourselves. “Finally, Mr. President, let me again, reaffirm Papua New Guinea’s commitment to deliver on our national development priorities, including on the SDGs. On a greater scale, our common purpose must prevail.” “Common pursuits must outweigh individual ambitions, Greater action, less generic political discussions and more collective but meaningful steps in the next remaining seven (7) years are what we all need.”

Australia announced new climate research support for Papua New Guinea at the PNG’s Second National Climate Change Summit at APEC Haus, Port Moresby. High Commissioner Jon Philp announced that Australia will partner with the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) to offer grants to support research to inform the PNG Government’s climate adaptation and mitigation policy making. These grants will allow an emerging cohort of climate researchers from PNG to deliver evidence-based research in support of PNG’s climate goals. “The grants will be delivered in partnership with CCDA, the National Research Institute (NRI), and the PNG Science and Technology Secretariat, and will support eligible master’s and doctoral students in a one-year program of research, the findings of which will be presented at the Third National Climate Change Summit next year.” High Commissioner Philp further stated that this joint initiative underscores Australia's dedication to supporting the successful implementation of PNG’s climate national adaptation and mitigation goals. Australia’s new development strategy brings climate change to the heart and gender equality and inclusive to the people of Papua New Guinea as well. “In new gender and climate targets will ensure Australian development system tackles climate effects and improves the lives of women and girls.” “At list half of all new Australian projects will have a climate change objective from this year and that will climb by 80% by 2028.” The Australian High Commission also facilitated the participation of a team of international experts from the Australian National University to the National Climate Change Summit. At the invitation of the PNG Government, Dr Steven Crimp, Ms Ewelina Przybyszewski and Mr Mawe Gonapa delivered presentations highlighting the climate challenges facing communities in our region - and how we can work together to identify solutions. The topics included blended finance options for climate adaptation, climate justice and social inclusion, and new research to trial carbon trading through coffee farming. Application information for the climate research grant opportunities will be available on the Climate Change and Development Authority website.

Four hundred and sixteen Plant Operator and Motor Vehicle Driving Courses students graduated from the Mapex Training Institute in Port Moresby just recently. These students were those who missed out on selection to continue formal education but were given a second chance through the Mapex Training Institute. Mapex training Institute Managing Director Marcus Palem Kara said the aim of the institute is to contribute to human resource development in the country. Mr. Kara paid special tribute to the sponsors, stakeholders and parents who contributed to the development of the students in providing funding support. Mr. Kara highlighted that the batch of graduates are the second batch for this year from the Plant Operator and Motor Vehicle Driving Courses. “This graduation is a small graduation which comprised of staff, stakeholders, the office of the Department of Higher Education (DHERST) and representatives from the office of the Governor of Central Province the Honourable Rufina Peter, the Honourable John Kaupa member for North- East and the Honourable Agena Gamai , Delta Fly Open member, and you parents.” Kara added that the sponsors are very important people, because it is their support and kind assistance that paid off today at the graduation. Out of the 416 students who graduated, one 147 were students from Central Province who came under the Central Governor’s Tertiary Tuition Support Grants. In total, Central Province has the highest number of students enrolled at Mapex Training Institute with about 601 students attending Mapex this year and a total cost of K721,200 was paid with each students allocated K1, 200 each as tuition fees. Education Co-coordinator from the Central Governor’s office, Mr. Henry Kita, who attended the graduation on behalf of the Governor for Central Province, said he is proud of the graduating students and thanked Madam Governor for believing in second chance and also thanked Mapex Training Institute for providing the avenue for students to make a career in the future.

The second Annual National Climate Summit kicked off today at the APEC Haus, Port Moresby. During the opening remarks of the second Annual Climate Summit, Climate Change and Environment Minister, Simon Kilepa, highlighted the importance of Climate Justice and Social Inclusion as per the Theme of the second annual climate summit. The theme of this summit, "Climate Justice and Social Inclusion," underscores the importance of our times. Minister Kilepa stated that under the Marape-Roso government, climate change remains a priority development agenda since our country remains one of the vulnerable countries in the world in the face of climate change. “That is why Summit as this is critical for every stakeholder to come together, identify what major challenges are faced and what critical actions are needed, how can these actions be implemented and who can implement these actions as a country going forward.” He added in his opening remarks that the National Climate Change Summit is a key step in shaping our nation's destiny and contributing to the global struggle against the defining crisis of our time. “I stand before you all today with a profound sense of purpose and urgency as we gather here for the Second Annual National Climate Summit, and I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for your presence at this significant event.” “Together, we embark on a journey that holds the promise of shaping our nation's destiny and contributing to the global fight against the defining crisis of our time.” “The theme of this summit, Climate Justice and Social Inclusion reminds us that the fight against climate change is not only about reducing the footprints of carbon emissions or protecting ecosystems; it is fundamentally about ensuring that the burdens and benefits of this fight are equitably distributed.” “It's about safeguarding the rights, dignity, and well-being of every citizen, regardless of their background or circumstance.” He further emphasised that Climate change knows no boundaries; it respects no one's socio-economic status, however its impacts are felt most acutely by those who are least responsible for its causes. Vulnerable communities, like PNG’s own Cataract islands in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville are marginalized and are bearing the brunt of extreme weather events such as sea level rise and disrupted livelihoods. These vulnerable deserve not only sympathy but unwavering commitment to climate justice he added. “Today, we come together to commit ourselves to this very cause, justice in the face of climate change thus we must recognize that climate action is at its core, an act of social justice and It's a promise to our children, our grandchildren, and all future generations that we will not let their futures be stolen by our indecisions.” “As a nation, we have made significant strides on this path, we've taken steps to reduce our carbon footprint, to protect our forests and oceans, and to promote renewable energy transition, but we must do more, much more.” He stressed that there is a need to ensure that climate policies do not exacerbate existing inequalities, but all should rather work to alleviate them and the transition to a greener economy must provide opportunities for decent work, job security, and improved living standards for all citizens. “All must also recognize the vital role of our local people, women, and marginalized communities in climate action because their traditional knowledge, resilience, and commitment to environmental stewardship are invaluable assets in our collective fight against climate change.” “The journey towards climate justice and social inclusion comes with its challenges as well and it requires efforts and collaboration across sectors and smart innovative solutions.” “It also demands that no one is left behind and that priority is given to the most vulnerable.” “I call upon each of you to use this summit as a platform for meaningful dialogue, shared knowledge, and concrete commitments and let us not only talk about climate justice and social inclusion but act upon them.” “Let us commit to leaving a legacy of a greener, fairer, and more just world for generations to come and may our deliberations at this summit drive us towards a future where climate justice prevails, and social inclusion is the norm.”

Record-breaking rainfall paralyzed much of Hong Kong on Friday, with flash flooding submerging metro stations and trapping drivers on roads, as authorities suspended schools and urged the public to seek safe shelter. Photos and videos showed residents wading through murky brown floodwaters as heavy rain continued to inundate the densely populated city of 7.5 million. In some low-lying areas, streets were transformed into surging torrents, with authorities forced to rescue motorists stuck in their vehicles. The deluge began late Thursday night, with the Hong Kong Observatory recording more than 158 millimeters (6.2 inches) in rain between 11 p.m. and midnight, the highest hourly rainfall since records began in 1884, the government said in a news release. Some parts of city saw almost 500 mm (19.7 inches) of rainfall in 24 hours, according to online weather data site OGimet. [caption id="attachment_45206" align="aligncenter" width="1109"] Vehicles submerged in a flooded parking lot in Hong Kong on September 8, 2023.[/caption] The extreme conditions caught many residents by surprise and came just days after Hong Kong was lashed by its strongest typhoon in five years. Typhoon Saola, originally a super typhoon, weakened to the equivalent of a Category 2 hurricane as it reached Hong Kong last weekend – but was still potent enough to shut down the city and cause hundreds of flight cancellations. Eighty-six people were injured from the typhoon, the government said. Friday’s deluge again caused widespread transport and business disruptions across the financial hub, with the stock market canceling morning trading, and all schools closed for the day. On Friday, authorities appealed to businesses to allow non-essential employees to stay at home or seek safe shelter, citing unsafe travel conditions. Stuart Hargreaves, a Hong Kong resident and professor, was forced to spend the night in his car after being stranded while driving home late Thursday. The flooded roads were “impassable,” he said; at one point, “water was coming over the hood of the car and I thought it was going to flood the engine.” Several other cars had similarly flooded and were “floating” nearby, he said. He managed to park in a safe place, but there was no way out – leaving him stuck until daybreak. When he managed to drive home nine hours later, the road was “full of rocks from landslides, debris from trees, abandoned cars and so on,” he said. [caption id="attachment_45207" align="aligncenter" width="1115"] A flooded alley in Hong Kong on September 8, 2023.[/caption] As of Friday afternoon, 119 people have been reported injured from the downpour, four of whom are in serious condition, according to Hong Kong’s Hospital Authority. The government said Friday that such “extreme” conditions were expected to continue until at least midnight. The city’s Mass Transit Railway announced it would suspend services on one of its lines after a station in the Wong Tai Sin district was flooded, with footage shared widely online showing floodwater gushing down the stairs. Another video shows workers at a different station up to their knees in water, struggling at the entrance to keep the flooding at bay. While most other subway operations remained open, all major bus, tram and ferry services were suspended, according to public broadcaster RTHK. And although some bus services resumed Friday afternoon, many routes remain closed or diverted. Multiple roads were also closed off due to the threat of landslides in the mountainous territory, with authorities issuing the highest “black” rainstorm warning for the first time in two years. Videos from Thursday evening show floodwater entering the first floors of some buildings and shopping malls, with chairs and debris scattered across the floor. The government also warned “there may be a risk of flooding” in its northern New Territories district, which is adjacent to the Chinese mainland, after the neighboring city of Shenzhen said it would release water from a reservoir. The downpours in Shenzhen also broke multiple rain records in the city, including the maximum rainfall records over two-hour, three-hour, six-hour and 12-hour periods, which have stood since 1952, according to Chinese state media. Shenzhen saw 469 millimeters (about 18.5 inches) of rain from 5 p.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday, with kindergartens, primary and secondary schools shut on Friday, state media reported. Transport was disrupted there, too, with six subway lines suspended. Source: CNN News