Government consolidates experience and enhances information dissemination during tropical cyclone (with photos)
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The Acting Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, said that the enhanced information dissemination can keep the public posted of the latest information concerning the tropical cyclone. Under the new arrangement, apart from HKO briefing the media hourly with a video about the latest weather condition, the DSD also updates the media every two hours with videos carrying the latest information such as flooding in different districts. The same arrangement will be adopted when the Black Rainstorm Signal is in force.
In the afternoon, together with the Acting Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing visited the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre. They were briefed on the preparation work and latest assessments in response to the threat of the typhoon. The preparation work is as follows:
- The DSD has dispatched over 70 emergency teams to conduct inspections and stationed in various districts across Hong Kong;
- The District Offices of the Home Affairs Department closely collaborate with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the DSD, and the Highways Department. They have completed the cleaning of drains in flood-prone areas before the onset of the typhoon and taken flood prevention measures such as placing sandbags and water barriers;
- The Home Affairs Department has operated 29 temporary shelters for citizens in need, co-ordinating with various departments to provide assistance to those in need;
- The Social Welfare Department has distributed emergency relief supplies, food, and beverages to the temporary shelters; and
- The Highways Department has implemented emergency measures, including arranging road maintenance contractors to prepare for emergencies during the typhoon. These contractors have gathered around 500 personnel and arranged necessary machinery equipment such as grab lorries and chainsaws. They are stationed in 50 maintenance depots across the territory, ready to turn out to clear roads promptly.
"The public is still reeling from the impacts of the typhoon and flooding last month. The Government has remained vigilant since then, making comprehensive preparation work in advance and taking early prevention measures. We will respond quickly to the situation and observe the protection of lives and property of citizens as well as public safety as the highest principle. We will spare no effort in minimising the impacts brought by the typhoon and helping the city to resume normal as soon as possible after the typhoon," Mr Cheuk Wing-hing added.
Ends/Sunday, October 8, 2023
Issued at HKT 20:01
Issued at HKT 20:01
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