Islands District Office Co-ordinates Interdepartmental Drill on Emergency Response to Flooding in Tai O

Islands District Office co-ordinates interdepartmental drill on emergency response to flooding in Tai O

The Islands District Office (IsDO), in collaboration with various government departments and local organisations, conducted a rescue and evacuation drill today (May 20) 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 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. With around 200 personnel participating in the drill, it 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.

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.

The Islands District Office conducted an interdepartmental rescue and evacuation drill in the event of flooding in Tai O today (May 20). Photo shows the staff members of the Islands District Office with representatives from participating departments and organisations after the drill. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Islands District Office conducted an interdepartmental rescue and evacuation drill in the event of flooding in Tai O today (May 20). 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. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Islands District Office conducted an interdepartmental rescue and evacuation drill in the event of flooding in Tai O today (May 20). Photo shows members of a District Services and Community Care Team accompanying and assisting an injured resident during the drill. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Islands District Office conducted an interdepartmental rescue and evacuation drill in the event of flooding in Tai O today (May 20). Photo shows a police officer assisting trapped residents to evacuate during the drill. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Islands District Office conducted an interdepartmental rescue and evacuation drill in the event of flooding in Tai O today (May 20). Photo shows firemen rescuing an injured person during the drill. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Islands District Office conducted an interdepartmental rescue and evacuation drill in the event of flooding in Tai O today (May 20). Photo shows Civil Aid Service members rescuing trapped residents by an inflatable boat during the drill. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FS begins visit to Brussels, Belgium (with photos/video)

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, yesterday (May 20, Paris time) proceeded to visit Brussels, Belgium, during which he met with a number of European Union (EU) officials and European business leaders to promote Hong Kong's advantages.

After arriving in Brussels, Mr Chan met respectively with the Deputy Director-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union of the European Commission, Dr Alexandra Jour-Schroeder; the Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific of the European External Action Service, Mr Erik Kurzweil; and the Hors Classe Adviser in the Directorate-General for Budget of the European Commission, Mr Siegfried Ruhl. They exchanged views on the experience of Hong Kong and Europe in areas including the economy, finance, trade and fiscal policy, and explored ways to further promote co-operation and build closer, mutually beneficial and win-win relations.

During the above meetings, Mr Chan briefed them on Hong Kong's economic and financial development. He pointed out that, amid the current challenging international political and economic environment, Hong Kong, under "one country, two systems", maintains its status as a free port, with the free flow of capital, information and talent. Hong Kong also adheres to international best practices in business, accounting and professional services, has stable and predictable economic and trade policies, and continues to innovate and develop its financial markets. He welcomed the European business and investment communities to make full use of Hong Kong as a platform to raise funds for developing markets in the Chinese Mainland and Asia.

Mr Chan also said that there is room for Hong Kong and Europe to strengthen co-operation in various fields, and that the two sides should engage in more exchanges of experience, mutual learning and joint development. For example, in the financial sector, the two sides could explore arrangements for dual listing by European enterprises in the two markets, develop fixed-income and currency markets, promote green finance and financial innovation, and better channel private savings to support industries and economic development.

Mr Chan also met with the Chief Executive Officer of Euroclear, a European financial intermediary institution, Ms Valérie Urbain, to exchange views on the global economic situation and financial market developments. In addition, he met with the representative of a renowned local family to learn about the development of its group's business in Hong Kong and Asia, and introduced Hong Kong's advantages in various aspects. He suggested that the group increase its investment in Hong Kong and use Hong Kong as its regional headquarters for managing its business and treasury activities in the region.

He also called on the Head of Mission and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the European Union, Mr Cai Run, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Kingdom of Belgium, Mr Fei Shengchao. They had in-depth exchanges on China-Europe relations and the latest developments in Hong Kong.

Mr Chan will depart today (May 21, Brussels time) for the visit to Zurich, Switzerland.

FS begins visit to Brussels, Belgium (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FS begins visit to Brussels, Belgium (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FS begins visit to Brussels, Belgium (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FS begins visit to Brussels, Belgium (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FS begins visit to Brussels, Belgium (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FS begins visit to Brussels, Belgium (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases