Government agencies join forces to prepare for severe weather emergencies
The Southern District Office of the Home Affairs Department, along with the Hong Kong Police Force, the Fire Services Department, the Government Flying Service, the Civil Aid Service, the Marine Department, the Civil Engineering and Development Department, the Drainage Services Department, the Highways Department and the Transport Department, held a cross-departmental exercise codenamed "DIMWINDOW" at Shek O Village and Tai Long Wan Village this afternoon (May 2). The exercise aimed to enhance the collaboration, emergency response and recovery capabilities of stakeholders.
The exercise simulated scenarios involving severe weather conditions such as fallen trees, landslides, and rough seas, which posed threats to lives and caused the missing of citizens. Rescue teams swiftly arrived at the scene to initiate rescue operations, establishing emergency vehicle passages, casualty collection points, and diversion stations for the injured, as well as providing emergency medical aid and assessment. Additionally, the exercise also simulated the two villages being threatened by extreme weather conditions, with citizens being evacuated in an orderly and safe manner, guided by the Police, the Southern District Office, members of the Southern District Council and Southern District Care Teams.
Approximately 200 personnel from various departments participated in this exercise. Relevant departments will continue to maintain close communication with relevant stakeholders and review contingency plans for major incidents to strengthen co-ordination capabilities among departments and relevant organisations.
Government interdepartmental exercise conducted for responding to severe weather conditions Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Government interdepartmental exercise conducted for responding to severe weather conditions Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Government interdepartmental exercise conducted for responding to severe weather conditions Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Government interdepartmental exercise conducted for responding to severe weather conditions Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Exclusive insights: scst's address at glamorous hong kong night event in cannes film festival
Following are the welcome remarks by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, at the Hong Kong Night reception in the 77th Cannes Film Festival yesterday (May 16, Cannes time):
Hello, everyone! Welcome to our Hong Kong Night reception. It's my great pleasure to meet all of you here in Cannes.
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has been actively promoting arts and culture. Since 2005, the Government has been injecting about HK$3 billion into our Film Development Fund, a fund designated to support our film industry.
We treasure our overseas partners and have strengthened our participation in international film festivals to extend our market coverage and enhance exchanges. By leading delegations of some of the most exceptional and emerging directors, producers and actors from Hong Kong, like those attending here tonight, we hope to increase the exposure of Hong Kong cinema in a proactive approach, fostering more cultural exchanges among film talents across national borders and various cultures.
To reinforce Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, we launched the Hong Kong-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme last year to support collaboration between the film industries of Hong Kong and Asian countries. The response was overwhelming. We hence extended the funding scheme to cover Europe as the Hong Kong-Europe-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme, to welcome projects from Europe and Asia.
Most important of all, we are thrilled to see many Chinese language films selected in Cannes this year. Hong Kong film, "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In", is chosen for the Midnight Screenings section, and will be screened right after this reception. We are honoured to have the director and cast joining us tonight. With the strong tradition of Hong Kong cinema, a 4K restoration of "Shanghai Blues", directed by esteemed filmmaker Tsui Hark, is selected for Cannes Classics section. Renowned Hong Kong director Peter Chan's mainland production "She's Got No Name" will be presented under Out Of Competition section towards the end of the Festival.
Last but not least, tonight, we are not just celebrating Hong Kong cinema, but also aiming to forge new connections among all of us at this world's most prestigious film event. So let us enjoy the party. Thank you.
Speech by SCST at Hong Kong Night reception in 77th Cannes Film Festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
