The Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) said in a statement yesterday that its heat shelter in Ilha Verde would extend operating hours after the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) issued an orange hot weather alert – the highest of a two-tier system.
The shelter is located at 34 Rua Leste da Ilha Verde, Bairro da Ilda Verde Building (青洲東街34號青洲坊大廈E1的避暑中心).
The shelter offers free accommodation, snacks and beverages.
The orange alert signifies “extremely hot” weather, typically issued by the local observatory when maximum temperatures are forecast to surpass 34 or even 35 degrees Celsius. The yellow alert is issued by the observatory when the weather is forecast to be “very hot”. It is activated when temperatures are expected to reach or exceed 33 degrees in certain areas.
According to the statement, yesterday the heat shelter extended its opening hours from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. the following day, allowing vulnerable individuals and those in need to stay overnight. The arrangement will remain in place until the temperature drops.
In general, under the orange alert the shelter is open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. the following day.
When the lower-level yellow very hot weather warning is active, the shelter operates on shortened daytime hours from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The government customarily opens up a temporary heat shelter (usually at the emergency shelter in Ilha Verde) to offer respite from the blazing heat and high UV indexes for vulnerable individuals. In the winter, the shelter provides protection from particularly cold weather. The centre is run by Caritas Macau on behalf of the government.
The bureau urged residents to pay attention to the physical condition of senior citizens, individuals living alone, chronically ill patients and physically weak individuals, while taking appropriate precautions to prevent heat-related health problems during the period of high temperatures, the statement said.
Residents seeking information about the heat shelter’s opening arrangements can contact the bureau during office hours on 2827 0939 or outside office hours on 6399 1963.
This photo taken on Monday shows the temporary heat shelter on Rua Leste da Ilha Verde. – Photo: Khalel Vallo
Mattresses and pillows are laid out at Macau’s temporary heat shelter in Ilha Verde in this undated photo released by the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS).
