Government departments drive all-out efforts to cope with rainstorm impacts
A Government spokesman said today (August 5) that the persistent rainstorm has caused flooding and landslides across extensive areas of Hong Kong. Relevant government departments have responded promptly, making every effort to minimise the impacts of the heavy rain.
Since late last night (August 4), the Government's Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre has been operating continuously, with directorate officers from relevant departments closely monitoring the situation across Hong Kong in real time. They have been swiftly co-ordinating responses and actions, remaining on high alert and efficiently orchestrating all government departments to fully mobilise in addressing flooding, landslides, fallen trees, and road blockages, striving to minimise the impact of adverse weather on the public.
The Drainage Services Department (DSD) has been maintaining close liaison with the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) and making preparations. The DSD activated the Emergency Control Centre at 10.35pm last night and deployed emergency response teams to proactively inspect flooding-prone locations, including Chai Wan and Wong Tai Sin. Various locations experienced flooding due to the heavy rainfall. The DSD mobilised a total of 180 emergency response teams, involving about 620 personnel and several powerful pumping robots, including three Mobile Powerful Pumping Robots, and worked closely with other works departments to handle flooding cases and clear drainage channels across the territory. As of 3pm today, 29 flooding cases have been confirmed, with 24 of them resolved, including the case at Queen Mary Hospital. The affected roads have mostly resumed normal operation. The DSD emergency response teams are working at full capacity to handle the remaining flooding cases.
The Emergency Control Centre of the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) was activated soon after the HKO issued a landslip warning. As of 2.30pm today, a total of 15 reports of landslides were received in areas including Sai Kung, Tai Po, Kwai Chung, Lantau, Southern, Mid-levels, Wan Chai, Sha Tin and Peng Chau. The GEO has arranged inspections of the reported landslide locations and contacted relevant departments for necessary emergency slope works.
During rainstorm warnings, the Fire Services Department, by 4pm today, handled a total of 42 reports of people trapped in lifts, 175 reports from automatic fire alarm systems, 36 reports of fallen trees, seven reports of landslides, and 69 reports of flooding incidents. Among these, assistance was provided to six people to safe places in two of the flooding incidents.
The Urban and New Territories Emergency Control Centres of the Highways Department were activated after the Red Rainstorm Warning Signal was in force last night to co-ordinate the handling of road emergencies, including clearing debris at road sections in Southern District, Tai Po and Sai Kung where landslides occurred, with the goal of reopening at least one traffic lane for public use as soon as possible while continuing to follow up urgent slope repair works; and quickly clearing roadside gullies blocked by muddy water and debris in various districts where flooding occurred, with affected road sections reopened immediately afterwards.
The Emergency Transport Coordination Centre (ETCC) of the Transport Department (TD) continues to operate round the clock and escalated its operational level when the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is in force to closely monitor the traffic and transport conditions of important routes including trunk roads, tunnels and bridges across the territory. The ETCC expedites assessment of the impact of the rainstorm on traffic and maintains close liaison with relevant departments and public transport operators to steer and co-ordinate public transport services to meet passenger demand.
The TD conducts ongoing review of various trunk roads and link roads in locations without alternatives, aiming to promptly identify locations affected by flooding or obstructed by objects requiring higher priority clearance. This facilitates the clearance work of departments concerned, with a view to reopening blocked roads and resuming public transport services, thereby minimising impact on the public's commute.
During the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal, frontline police officers remained steadfast in assisting members of the public affected by the heavy rain across multiple districts. They also handled vehicles stranded due to flooding and cleared blocked drains in rural areas to ensure smooth traffic flow.
The Government urges members of the public to stay away from slopes as the landslip warning is still in force. Drivers should avoid driving in hilly areas or parking their vehicles below slopes. Residents living close to slopes should stay in rooms furthest from the slopes or on high floors if possible. When a notification to evacuate is received, members of the public should follow rescuers' instructions and move immediately to a safe shelter. If they witness a landslide, they should leave immediately and call the Police when safe to do so.
The Home Affairs Department (HAD) has so far opened a total of 15 temporary shelters for people in need. The Emergency Co-ordination Centre of the HAD has been in operation since the early hours to co-ordinate work and information dissemination in 18 districts as well as prompt follow-up on various incident reports. District Offices have immediately initiated relevant response measures, including co-ordinating with other departments and organisations to provide support. They have also mobilised District Council members, members of "the three committees" and Care Teams to disseminate the latest weather information to residents in flood-prone areas, reminding them to pay attention to safety.
The Housing Department (HD) Communication Centre was promptly activated to handle emergencies after the Red Rainstorm Warning Signal was in force. As of 4pm, the Centre received 49 enquiries from residents, which were immediately relayed to relevant teams for follow-up to provide swift assistance. This included a case of temporary power failure in a block of Kwai Shing West Estate, where power supply has since been resumed after emergency repair. Frontline staff of the HD also remained dedicated to their duties, taking precautionary measures against the heavy rain and stepping up patrols. The overall operation of housing estate facilities remained unaffected. The HD will continue to work with other departments to ensure the safety of public housing residents.
Hong Kong's weather conditions remain unstable. The Government reminds the public to stay updated on the latest weather and traffic reports. Government departments will continue to make every effort to carry out coping measures and relief work, while Care Teams will provide ongoing support to members of the public in need.
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