The Marine and Water Bureau (DSAMA) closed Hac Sa (“Black Sand”) Beach yesterday after a test by the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) showed excessive E. coli levels in its coastal waters, while Cheoc Van (“Bamboo Bay”) Beach has hoisted the yellow flag due to the windy weather, according to a DSAMA statement yesterday.
A DSAMA statement yesterday said that IAM’s recent water quality testing found an excessive amount of E. coli (Escherichia coli) in the coastal waters at Hac Sa Beach, adding that the bureau has hoisted red flags and posted notices to remind members of the public not to swim there until further notice.
According to the statement, abnormal water quality at beaches usually occurs after heavy rainfall or inclement weather and may persist for a period of time.
Meanwhile, as the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) might issue a Strong Monsoon Signal (Black Ball) in the next few days, the bureau has also hosted yellow flags and posted notices at Cheoc Van beach to remind residents and swimmers that they should not swim.
The statement highlighted the Marine and Water Bureau’s commitment to closely monitoring the situation and urged all those who are planning to go to the city’s two beaches for water activities to pay close attention to the warning flags hoisted at the respective locations.
Livestreamed real-time flags of the two beaches can be found on the bureau’s mobile app and the official website at www.marine.gov.mo.
Meanwhile, Tropical Cyclone Trami has entered the South China Sea and is expected to move westward in the next few days, generally towards the vicinity of Hainan Province and lingering in the area, the local observatory said in a statement late last night.
According to its latest forecast, Trami will enter the South China Sea within 800 km of Macau this morning so that Standby Signal No. 1 will be hoisted.
This photo provided by the Marine and Water Bureau (DSAMA) yesterday at 12:20 p.m. shows the real-time situation of the city’s two beaches - the Hac Sa (“Black Sand”) Beach and the Cheoc Van (“Bamboo Bay”) Beach in Coloane.
