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Islands District Office co-ordinates interdepartmental drill on emergency response to flooding in Tai O (with photos)
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     The Islands District Office (IsDO), in collaboration with relevant government departments and local organisations, conducted a rescue and evacuation drill today (May 15) to enhance their and residents' preparedness in the event of serious flooding in Tai O, and to further increase residents' understanding of the emergency response plan.
 
     The IsDO, the Fire Services Department, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO), the Drainage Services Department, the Social Welfare Department, the Housing Department, the Civil Engineering and Development Department, the Civil Aid Service, the Tai O Rural Committee, the Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, the Hong Kong Young Women's Christian Association Tai O Community Work Office, the Hong Kong Red Cross and the Buddhist Fat Ho Memorial College participated in the drill. The drill simulated an actual situation with unexpected elements to increase the difficulty. Participating departments and organisations were required to carry out rescue tasks immediately under unexpected circumstances, posing challenges to and strengthening their response capabilities.

     According to the emergency response plan, when the HKO forecasts that the sea level at Tai O would rise to 3.3 metres above Chart Datum or more in the coming few hours, the emergency response plan for severe flooding in Tai O will be fully activated. The HKO will issue an alert to relevant government departments, organisations, Tai O resident representatives and fishermen representatives by SMS. Upon receipt of the alert, the IsDO will activate an emergency co-ordination centre at the Tai O Rural Committee Office, jointly set up by government departments and non-governmental organisations. The emergency co-ordination centre will co-ordinate any necessary evacuation, rescue and emergency relief efforts for Tai O.
 
     Upon receipt of the HKO's alert, resident representatives and fishermen representatives in Tai O will also help disseminate the information to residents to enable them to stay vigilant and take refuge in safe locations if necessary. In addition, temporary shelters at the Tai O Rural Committee Office, the Hong Kong Young Women's Christian Association Tai O Community Work Office and the Buddhist Fat Ho Memorial College, and the Transit Centre situated at Lung Tin Estate will be opened for residents in need.
 
Ends/Thursday, May 15, 2025
Issued at HKT 17:20
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Photo

The Islands District Office conducted an interdepartmental rescue and evacuation drill in the event of flooding in Tai O today (May 15). Photo shows police officers rescuing a trapped resident who has called for assistance during the drill.
The Islands District Office conducted an interdepartmental rescue and evacuation drill in the event of flooding in Tai O today (May 15). Photo shows firemen rescuing a trapped resident during the drill.
The Islands District Office conducted an interdepartmental rescue and evacuation drill in the event of flooding in Tai O today (May 15). Photo shows Civil Aid Service members rescuing a trapped resident by an inflatable boat during the drill.
The Islands District Office conducted an interdepartmental rescue and evacuation drill in the event of flooding in Tai O today (May 15). Photo shows the staff members of the Islands District Office and representatives from participating departments and organisations reviewing the emergency response actions and relevant arrangements after the drill.
The Islands District Office conducted an interdepartmental rescue and evacuation drill in the event of flooding in Tai O today (May 15). Photo shows the staff members of the Islands District Office and representatives from participating departments and organisations after the drill.