Government departments drive all-out efforts to cope with rainstorm impacts
A Government spokesman said today (August 14) that Hong Kong has been affected by the outer rainbands of Tropical Cyclone Podul, with flooding occurring in multiple districts due to heavy rain. The Government's Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre began operating upon the issuance of Black Rainstorm Warning Signal this morning. Directorate officers from relevant departments closely monitored the situation in real time across various districts, co-ordinating efforts to address flooding, landslides, fallen trees, and road blockages, and striving to minimise the impact of the adverse weather on the public.
The Drainage Services Department (DSD) has been maintaining close liaison with the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) as it made preparations. The DSD activated the Emergency Control Centre at 6.35am today and deployed 110 emergency response teams, involving about 410 personnel and several powerful pumping robots, to handle requests for assistance from the public and flooding cases, conduct repeated inspections and carry out necessary clearance at about 240 locations prone to flooding due to blockages. As of 5pm today, six flooding cases had been confirmed and all of them were resolved within one to two hours. The affected roads have resumed normal operation. During the rainy season, the DSD will continue to enhance inspections of storm water drains and drainage channels, implement a “just-in-time clearance” arrangement prior to heavy rainfalls, and arrange immediate clearance works if needed to ensure the smooth operation of the drainage discharge system.
The Emergency Control Centre of the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) was activated soon after the HKO issued a landslip warning. As of 6pm today, a total of three reports of landslides were received in Ap Lei Chau, Tsuen Wan and Lantau. The GEO has arranged inspections of the reported landslide locations.
As flooding and fallen trees were found at roads near the West New Territories (WENT) Landfill and Tsang Tsui Columbarium in Tuen Mun during the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD)’s contractor of the WENT Landfill extension has arranged workers to carry out clearance of the blocked storm water drains and remove fallen trees promptly to minimise the potential flooding risk to the public. The EPD’s North Lantau Transfer Station (NLTS) at Sham Shui Kok was also affected by the rainstorm and part of it also experienced flooding. A temporary arrangement has been made to allow single-lane and two-way traffic at its weighbridge. The EPD has been maintaining close collaboration with an NLTS contractor to implement contingency measures immediately, including carrying out inspections on the drainage channels and deploying of additional pumps, which have facilitated the NLTS to resume normal operation promptly.
The Fire Services Department, by 2pm today, handled a total of 13 reports of people trapped in lifts, 36 reports from automatic fire alarm systems, six reports of fallen trees, one report of landslides, and four reports of flooding incidents.
The Urban and New Territories Emergency Control Centres of the Highways Department were promptly activated after the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal was in force this morning to co-ordinate the handling of road emergencies, including collaborating with the GEO to clear debris at a landslide location in Southern District; and collaborating with the DSD to quickly clear 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 around the clock and escalated its operational level when the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal was 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 reviews of 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 routes, thereby minimising impact on the public's commuting times.
During the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal, frontline police officers remained steadfast in carrying out their duties, including cordoning off high-risk areas and evacuating stranded citizens. They also closely monitored traffic conditions, handled vehicles trapped by flooding and cleared blocked drains to ensure a smooth traffic flow. Their efforts facilitated a swift return to normalcy, helping residents resume their livelihoods as soon as possible.
The Government reminds members of the public to stay away from slopes while landslip warnings are 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 opened a total of 11 temporary shelters for people in need under the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal. The Emergency Co-ordination Centre of HAD began operation promptly to co-ordinate work and information dissemination in 18 districts as well as promptly follow-up on various incident reports. District offices 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. Members and volunteers of Care Teams will provide ongoing support to members of the public in need.
The Housing Department (HD) Communication Centre was activated to handle emergencies during the rainstorm period. As of 4pm, the Centre received 13 enquiries from residents, which were given assistance swiftly. 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. In addition, during the Black Rainstorm Warning, the HD received five reports of rainwater surging from slopes or channels near its construction sites. The project teams responded swiftly and, under safe conditions, arranged for workers to assist in draining the water into nearby manholes to prevent overflow onto the roads. The HD project teams and contractors also proactively took action to clear debris from nearby drainage outlets, which effectively reduced accumulation of muddy water and minimised traffic disruption.
The weather in Hong Kong remains unstable, and the Government reminds citizens to stay updated with the latest weather reports and traffic conditions. Government department staff will continue to fulfil their duties, fully engage in response and recovery efforts, and provide appropriate support to citizens in need.
Source: AI-found images
