In view of Super Typhoon Ragasa edging closer to the coast of Guangdong, the Drainage Services Department (DSD), the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) and the Home Affairs Department (HAD) held a joint press conference today (September 22) to release the latest flood risk assessment and brief the public on the corresponding response measures.

     Due to the significant storm surge effect, coastal water levels in Hong Kong during the passage of Ragasa may be comparable to those recorded during Typhoon Hato in 2017 and Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018. According to the latest forecast by the Hong Kong Observatory, the coastal storm surge is expected to be about 2 metres on the morning of September 24, with the maximum coastal water level generally reaching around 3.5 to 4 metres above Chart Datum, and reaching as high as 4 to 5 metres above Chart Datum in Tolo Harbour.

     To address potential flooding, the DSD and the CEDD have conducted flood risk assessments for coastal low-lying or windward residential areas with higher risks. Areas with a higher possibility of serious flooding include Tai O, Lei Yue Mun, Sam Mun Tsai New Village, in the vicinity of Ting Kok Road in Tai Po Old Market, in the vicinity of Kwong Fuk Road in Tai Po Market, Kar Wo Lei in Tuen Mun, low-lying areas in central Yuen Long (including Tai Tseng Wai, Wang Chau, Shan Pui Village, Yuen Long Town Centre), low-lying areas in northwest Yuen Long (including Lau Fau Shan, Sheung Pak Nai and Ha Pak Nai, Hang Hau Tsuen, Sha Kiu Tsuen), To Tau Wan Village in Ma On Shan, Nam Wai and Heung Chung in Sai Kung, Tung Chung Bay, and Kat O Fisherman Village, among others. In addition to rising water levels, members of the public should pay particular attention to the risks posed by overtopping waves in coastal areas such as Heng Fa Chuen and Tseung Kwan O South.

     The DSD and the CEDD have provided sandbags to the public in the aforementioned areas, with more than double the usual number distributed. For coastal low-lying or windward residential areas with higher risks, the DSD and the CEDD have been working closely with relevant departments to implement appropriate response measures and emergency arrangements according to pre-established action plans. These include deploying temporary water-filled barriers at Po Yick Lane and Pak Shing Street near Kwong Fuk Bridge along the Lam Tsuen River in Tai Po, setting up sandbag walls along the Tseung Kwan O waterfront, and, where feasible, increasing the height of flood protection installations to more effectively prevent seawater from entering buildings or facilities, in order to mitigate potential flooding threats from storm surge and overtopping waves. The DSD has also implemented a number of special operational measures, including increasing the number of emergency response teams to a total of 200 to handle flooding and clear drainage channels in different districts across the territory, and deploying powerful pumping robots on standby in advance at multiple locations with higher risk of flooding.

     District Offices have initiated relevant response measures. In view of the possible threats that Ragasa may pose to Hong Kong, District Offices will advance the opening of temporary shelters at 8am tomorrow for people in need. District Offices will closely monitor the situation, and if necessary, individual temporary shelters will commence operation earlier today. The Home Affairs Department has also activated a round-the-clock hotline (2572 8427) at noon today for public enquiries on the relevant information and will continue to release information on the operation of temporary shelters through different channels.

     In addition, District Offices have co-ordinated with relevant departments and organisations to enhance preparedness, setting up sandbags and water-stop boards, among others. District Council members, members of "the three committees" and Care Teams are mobilised to disseminate the latest weather information to residents in flood-prone areas, reminding them to make necessary preparations. Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to stay away from their homes or stay at temporary shelters.

     The DSD has been maintaining close liaison with Shenzhen Authority. At present, the water level of Shenzhen Reservoir is below the flood control limit and its operation is stable, with no discharge plan for the time being. Should discharge regulation be implemented during the typhoon, Shenzhen Authority will provide timely notification.

     Members of the public should stay vigilant to the risks brought by storm surge and overtopping waves, take defensive measures as early as possible, and avoid the affected locations as far as practicable. The DSD urges the public to call the 24-hour drainage hotline at 2300 1110 to report blocked public drains or flooding for prompt assistance. The DSD will also disseminate flood-related information to the public via social media.

Ends/Monday, September 22, 2025
Issued at HKT 22:22

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