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13:00, 16-Sep-2018
Macao shuts down casinos for first time as storm approaches
Updated
12:01, 19-Sep-2018
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Macao shut down all its casinos in a historic first as typhoon Mangkhut approached on Sunday, with authorities warning the city would be hit by severe flooding.
A statement from authorities late Saturday said the decision to shut Macao's 42 casinos was approved by the city leader and agreed by gaming bosses.
"The suspension of gaming operations is for the safety of casino employees, visitors to the city and residents," the local government statement said.
Casino staff told AFP that venues would be shut until further notice as the city raised its second highest storm warning.
Macao's weather bureau said the storm warning would be raised to the highest T10 level later Sunday with the worst rain and winds expected around midday local time (0400 GMT).
Shops and businesses were boarded up and protected by sandbags across the city and its streets, usually crowded with tourists, were deserted.
Last year the city was hit by typhoon Hato, the worst in over 50 years.
Source(s): AFP