Inter-departmental meeting convened to review preparedness and contingency plan for tropical cyclone (with photos)
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The Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, chaired the inter-departmental meeting this afternoon to strengthen co-ordination and communication among departments under the Emergency Response System. He also directed all emergency response departments to have their deployment and emergency response plans ready for the possible threats that may be brought to Hong Kong by Super Typhoon Mangkhut.
On the present forecast by the Hong Kong Observatory, Super Typhoon Mangkhut is expected to bring adverse weather to Hong Kong on Sunday (September 16), with frequent squalls and heavy rain. Together with the storm surge, seas will be very rough with swells and low-lying areas may have flooding or backflow of seawater.
Issues on response plans of emergency, monitoring and co-ordination, preventive measures, information flow and public announcement, as well as logistic support were discussed in the meeting. Representatives from relevant bureaux and departments also reported their preparatory work and contingency plans, particularly on measures in the prevention and handling of flooding, backflow of seawater and emergency plans for high-risk locations, in response to the tropical cyclone.
Mr Lee reminded that all departments should take timely precautions and maintain close liaison and co-ordination while the Security Bureau would closely monitor the situation. Depending on the prevailing situation, the Security Bureau may escalate the emergency response level and activate the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre. He also asked all departments, especially emergency rescue departments and related units, to get prepared for the tropical cyclone.
The Government will convene another inter-departmental meeting on Friday (September 14) to evaluate the latest situation. All departments will also report their preparatory work and operational arrangements under contingency plans.
Today’s meeting was attended by representatives from 30 government bureaux, departments and organisations including Buildings Department, Civil Aid Service, Civil Engineering and Development Department, Drainage Services Department, Education Bureau, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Fire Services Department, Home Affairs Department, Housing Department, Highways Department, Hong Kong Police Force, Hong Kong Observatory, Information Services Department, Transport Department, Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Marine Department, Social Welfare Department and Water Supplies Department.
The Hong Kong Observatory is closely monitoring the movement of Super Typhoon Mangkhut as well as weather conditions, and will issue relevant warning promptly. Members of the public are advised to pay attention to the latest information on the super typhoon.
Ends/Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Issued at HKT 21:01
Issued at HKT 21:01
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