Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 26) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; and Hap Mun Bay Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY) welcomed popstar Anson Kong, and film directors Nate Ki and Anastasia Tsang, who were in town for the New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) today (July 25, New York time).

     Ki's suspense horror Back Home, featuring Kong, made its world premiere at Film at Lincoln Center this evening. This film was also nominated for the Uncaged Award for Best Feature Film Competition of the NYAFF this year, with results to be announced at the festival finale on July 30.

     The Director of the HKETONY, Ms Candy Nip, introduced Kong and Ki to the New York media at a press conference this afternoon. "Nate and Anson represent a new generation of artists striving to attempt more diversified film genres in Hong Kong. Back Home is supported by the Film Production Financing Scheme (Relaxation Plan) of the Hong Kong Film Development Council. It is a great example of collaboration among the creative industry, the market and the Government," said Ms Nip.

     Other than Back Home, the Hong Kong Panorama of the NYAFF presented eight other Hong Kong productions, including Tsang's A Light Never Goes Out. "From action to drama to horror movies, this season's line up represents the breadth of film talents in Hong Kong. We look forward to sharing more of our works with New York audience," Ms Nip added.

        

     A man who went missing in Kwai Chung has been located.

     Chow Lung, aged 82, went missing after he was last seen in Chun Pin Street on July 21 morning. His family made a report to Police on the same day.

      The man was located on Po On Road, Cheung Sha Wan last night (July 25).

     Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident in Wan Chai yesterday (July 25) in which a 60-year-old man died.

     At 8.08pm, a taxi driven by the 60-year-old man was travelling along Gloucester Road westbound. When approaching the World Trade Centre, the taxi suspectedly failed to brake in time and rammed into a heavy goods vehicle.

     The taxi driver, a 42-year-old male taxi passenger, two female taxi passengers aged 40 and 69 years old, and a three-year-old girl were trapped inside the compartment and rescued by firemen. Sustaining serious head injury, the taxi driver was rushed to Ruttonjee Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 9.13pm. The male taxi passenger was sent to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in unconscious state while two female taxi passengers were sent to Queen Mary Hospital in unconscious state. The girl was sent to Queen Mary Hospital in conscious state for medical treatment.
 
     Investigation by the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, Hong Kong Island is underway.
 
     Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3660 6814.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 26) reminded members of the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather.

     "The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     "Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system," the spokesman explained.

     "Children, the elderly, the obese and those with chronic illnesses, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, are more vulnerable to heat stroke. They should pay special attention," the spokesman added.

     The public should adopt the following precautions:
 

• Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;
• Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion can place additional demands on the physique;
• Perform outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon;
• For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation;
• Do not stay inside a parked vehicle; and
• Reschedule work to cooler times of the day. If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable. Start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Move to a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.

     
     â€‹The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index is high (6 or above):
 

• Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;
• Wear long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothes;
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella;
• Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;
• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or above. Apply liberally and reapply after swimming, sweating or towelling off; and
• While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.

     If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

     â€‹The public may obtain more information from the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111), heat stroke page and UV radiation page; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200), latest weather report and forecast, UV Index and weather information for hiking and mountaineering; and press releases of the Labour Department on precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force.