Civil Affairs Department Opens 19 Temporary Heat Shelters Across Hong Kong
Bastillepost · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago1 MIN
Summary
The Civil Affairs Department has opened 19 community halls and community centres as temporary heat shelters across all districts in Hong Kong. The centres operate around the clock during extreme heat warnings, with overnight bedding available from 10:30 PM to 8:00 AM for those in need. Enhanced services this year include improved cooling ventilation, accessible drinking facilities, and optimised rest areas.
Key Points
- The Home Affairs Department and district offices continuously review heat shelter arrangements to optimise services
- 2026 service enhancements include enhanced cooling ventilation, convenient drinking fountains, personalised cooling supplies, and more comfortable rest areas
- Some centres provide food catering to ethnic minority dietary needs, and women's areas have been optimised
- Shelters are open 24 hours during extreme heat warnings; overnight bedding and sleeping arrangements available from 10:30 PM to 8:00 AM
- For enquiries, the public can call the Home Affairs Department hotline 2572 8427 before midnight
Why It Matters
These temporary heat shelters provide critical refuge for vulnerable populations—including the elderly, low-income residents, and homeless individuals—during increasingly frequent extreme weather events. The enhanced services demonstrate the government's commitment to public welfare and community support during summer heatwaves.
These temporary heat shelters provide critical refuge for vulnerable populations—including the elderly, low-income residents, and homeless individuals—during increasingly frequent extreme weather events. The enhanced services demonstrate the government's commitment to public welfare and community support during summer heatwaves.