Deepest condolences: Flags fly at half-mast after the flag-raising ceremony at Bauhinia Square. Chief Executive Donald Tsang and government staff observe three minutes of silence.

Government staff observed three minutes of silence in mourning from 2.28pm today to express their condolences for Sichuan earthquake victims.

During the three minutes' silence, the immigration and customs clearance services at the control points were suspended. However, all emergency services were maintained as normal. Notices were displayed at the offices concerned.