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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, has today (Thursday) made an impromptu visit to observe co-ordination work carried out by the Information Services Department during the passage of Typhoon York.

Mr Tung was briefed on the operations of typhoon shift duties by shift commander, Mr Gordon Tam, and deputy shift commander Mr David Chan.

Mr Tung had himself been at work in his office for part of the day and had been regularly updated on the passage of Typhoon York.

The Chief Executive was especially concerned about the number of casualties and the condition of those who had been injured.

He also asked about damage reports and the general situation across the SAR.

Mr Tung enquired about the track of the typhoon and was shown where the storm had progressed, and its present position, on the typhoon tracking board in the ISD newsroom, where typhoon duty is carried out.

"It is pretty hard to come to work in such dangerous and difficult conditions," said Mr Tung.

"But operational departments and emergency services are always on hand to serve the public. I would like to thank them all for their efforts."

Photo:The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, is briefed on the latest damage and casualty situation caused by Typhoon York when he visits typhoon duty staff of the Information Services Department.

End/Thursday, September 16, 1999

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