19 Temporary Heat Shelters Continue Operations Across Hong Kong
Bastillepost · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
The Home Affairs Department continued operating 19 temporary heat shelters across Hong Kong on Sunday, September 27, as the hot weather warning remains in effect. These facilities, located in community halls and community centres across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories, serve as cooling stations for the public during extreme heat. Enhanced services this year include upgraded ventilation systems, convenient water dispensers, personalised cooling supplies, and improved rest areas, with some centres offering culturally appropriate food for ethnic minorities.
Key Points
- The Home Affairs Department operates 19 community halls and community centres as temporary heat shelters during hot weather warnings
- Shelters open all day during hot weather warnings and provide sleeping facilities with bedding from 10:30 pm to 8:00 am for those in need
- Hong Kong Island has four locations: Sai Ying Pun, Causeway Bay, Ap Lei Chau, and Wan Chai
- Kowloon hosts five centres across Sham Shui Po, Wong Tai Sin, Yau Tsim Mong, Kwun Tong, and Kowloon City districts
- The New Territories has ten locations spanning Islands, Kwai Tsing, North, Sai Kung, Sha Tin, Tai Po, Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun, and Yuen Long districts
- This year's service improvements include enhanced cooling ventilation, easily accessible water dispensers, personalised cooling items, and optimised women's areas
- Some centres also provide food catering to the dietary needs of ethnic minority visitors
Why It Matters
These temporary heat shelters provide critical relief for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, homeless, and low-income residents who lack access to air-conditioned spaces during prolonged heatwaves. The enhanced services reflect the government's commitment to adapting public facilities to climate challenges while ensuring equitable access to cooling resources across all districts.
These temporary heat shelters provide critical relief for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, homeless, and low-income residents who lack access to air-conditioned spaces during prolonged heatwaves. The enhanced services reflect the government's commitment to adapting public facilities to climate challenges while ensuring equitable access to cooling resources across all districts.