PHRASE (对死者表示尊敬和哀悼的)降半旗 If a flag is flying at half-mast, it is flying from the middle of the pole, not the top, to show respect and sorrow for someone who has just died. (对死者表示尊敬和哀悼的)降半旗
Flags have been flying at half-mast, and schools, offices and businesses have been closed.