Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1630 GMT, Feb. 12

SUVA -- Tonga declared on Monday a state of emergency as the South Pacific island state prepares for severe tropical cyclone Gita that threatens to hit southern Tonga with a potential Category 5 force from Monday night.

According to Matangi Tonga online, the island state's leading news website, Tonga's Acting Prime Minister Semisi Sika declared the state of emergency due to the expected destructive winds and sea level rise. (Tonga-Emergency-Cyclone)

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HONG KONG -- Government of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) announced Monday that the national and HKSAR flags will fly at half-mast Tuesday at the government's headquarters to mourn the deaths of 19 passengers in a deadly bus crash on Saturday.

The HKSAR government also said that the Chinese New Year fireworks show will be canceled following the fatal Tai Po bus accident. (HK-Bus Accident-Mourning)

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KATHMANDU -- The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative has paved the way for new opportunities for Nepal to realize its dream of development and economic prosperity, government officials and experts said here on Monday.

They made such remarks during a one-day seminar entitled "Strengthening cooperation to promote the construction of the Belt and Road" organized by Nepal China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCCI) in Kathmandu. (Nepal-China-B&R)

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KABUL -- Security forces have captured a senior commander of the hardliner Islamic State (IS) group in Afghan western Ghor province, a local news agency Khaama press reported Tuesday.

Identifying the arrested IS commander as Qari Rahmatulah, the report added that large number of arms and ammunitions including five pieces of rocket propelled grenades and explosive materials were also discovered during the operations. (Afghanistan-IS-Capture) Enditem