Hong Kong to bar junks of Chinese fleeing quake

Hong Kong decided to turn away all Chinese junks heading its way after rumors of an imminent strong earthquake in mainland China set off a mass exodus. Nearly 5,000 Chinese have arrived in Hong Kong in a flotilla of rickety junks in the last few days to await the earthquake they fear will destroy their homes 50 miles away in China's Guangdong Province.

Police said 300 Chinese in seven boats were arrested and several others turned away after the tough stand was adopted by the authorities. The rest have been ordered to leave.