ENG-1998 — Page 20

CALENDAR OF EVENTS IN 1998

2 5

12

22

24

24

26

27

June

1

7

9

11

12

15

21

A jetfoil accident off Lantau Island results in one death and at least 122 injuries.

The Ting Kau Bridge officially opens, linking Ting Kau with North West Tsing Yi Island and part of Route 3.

A Japanese research report conducted in February finds that, for the second year running, Hong Kong tops six other cities for its standard of living. London, Tokyo and New York follow.

The Financial Secretary, leading a trade delegation on a high-level business mission, begins a 10-day visit to Brazil, Argentina and Chile. The trip is jointly organised with the Trade Development Council.

Police Commissioner Eddie Hui Ki-on heads a Hong Kong Police Force delegation on a nine-day visit to Beijing. He meets the Minister of Public Security, Mr Jia Chunwang, in Beijing on May 13.

The Hong Kong SAR's first bilateral agreement on information technology is signed by the Secretary for Information Technology and Broadcasting, Mr Kwong Ki-chi, and the Canadian Minister of Industry, Mr John Manley.

The first post-Handover Legislative Council elections generate a record voter turnout rate of 53.29 per cent for the geographical constituencies, despite torrential rains.

More than 100 people are rescued in serious flooding after the hoisting of the red rainstorm warning in the territory and the release of water from the Shenzhen River.

High Island Detention Centre (HIDC), the last detention centre for Vietnamese migrants in Hong Kong, closes after the return of a group of 267 Vietnamese by air to Hanoi.

A top-level Steering Committee on Healthy Living, chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Anson Chan, is established to co-ordinate efforts to upgrade hygiene standards and promote healthy living in the community.

The Secretary for Constitutional Affairs releases a consultation document on proposals to remove food and environmental hygiene responsibilities from the municipal councils. The first black rainstorm warning of the year is posted at 6.35 am and heavy rain persists for the next two days. More than 500 mm is recorded at Sai Kung over 24 hours. Many areas experience flooding and dozens of landslips are recorded from Pok Fu Lam to Sha Tin.

Major flooding is reported across Hong Kong after heavy rainfall, particularly in the Mong Kok area. Landslips cause several road closures and the Peak Tram is temporarily suspended. Total rainfall exceeds 300 mm in many areas and the day's total of 411.3 mm sets a record for June.

Three Guangdong Border Defence Bureau patrol vessels containing 171 officers and crew arrive at the Police Marine Regional Headquarters in Sai Wan Ho on a one-day visit to Hong Kong. It is the first such visit by the Guangdong authorities, who have for years co-operated with Hong Kong to combat illegal immigration and smuggling. Hong Lok Street (Bird Street) in Mong Kok closes as part of an urban renewal project by the Land Development Corporation. The Bird Market relocates a few blocks north to Yuen Po Street, Mong Kok.

The Environmental Protection Department publishes newly enhanced air pollution index (API) information.

The Airport Express railway opens, linking the new airport at Chek Lap Kok with Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.

The Chief Executive unveils a four-part package to relieve hardship and revive the economy. It is designed to address the credit and liquidity crunch, falling property

22

iv