Tai O Conducts Flood Rescue Drill to Enhance Emergency Preparedness and Community Response

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.

Islands District Office co-ordinates interdepartmental drill on emergency response to flooding in Tai O Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Islands District Office co-ordinates interdepartmental drill on emergency response to flooding in Tai O Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Islands District Office co-ordinates interdepartmental drill on emergency response to flooding in Tai O Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Islands District Office co-ordinates interdepartmental drill on emergency response to flooding in Tai O Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Islands District Office co-ordinates interdepartmental drill on emergency response to flooding in Tai O Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Islands District Office co-ordinates interdepartmental drill on emergency response to flooding in Tai O Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CHP investigates two severe paediatric influenza infection cases

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (May 20) investigating two paediatric cases with developments of severe complications following infection with seasonal influenza. The cases involve two boys with good past health. The CHP reiterated that the seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) is one of the most effective methods of preventing influenza and its complications, and can reduce the risk of serious complications or death from infection.

The first case involves a 12-year-old boy. On May 12, he developed a fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose and malaise. On May 14, he further developed vomiting and confusion. During this period, the patient attended a private doctor. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tseung Kwan O Hospital on May 16, where he was hospitalised for treatment. His condition subsequently worsened, and he was transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit of United Christian Hospital on May 18. His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza B virus upon laboratory testing. His clinical diagnosis is influenza B complicated with encephalopathy. He remains hospitalised and is in critical condition.

The other case involves a 10-year-old boy. On May 10, he developed a fever, cough and runny nose. He attended a private doctor on the following day (May 11). On May 12, he developed shortness of breath and was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital. Due to a drop in blood oxygen levels, he was admitted to the hospital's paediatric intensive care unit with a clinical diagnosis of pneumonia. His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A virus upon laboratory testing, while tests for other viruses and bacteria were negative. Based on the clinical data, the CHP considered that the boy developed pneumonia as a complication of influenza A infection. The patient has recovered and has been discharged from the hospital.

Upon receiving notifications of these two cases, the CHP immediately conducted epidemiological investigations. Preliminary results revealed that both boys had received the 2025/26 SIV late last year. Neither of them has a recent travel history.

Although influenza activity in Hong Kong remains at a relatively low level, the percentage of respiratory specimens tested positive for seasonal influenza viruses has increased slightly in the last week. Based on past experience, Hong Kong may experience two influenza seasons each year. Last year's summer influenza season began later than usual and lasted longer than normal, extending from early September to early January, resulting in the absence of the winter influenza season that traditionally occurs in the first quarter of each year. Nearly six months have passed now since the last influenza season. Given that many members of the public have not been infected with the seasonal influenza virus in recent months, it cannot be ruled out that influenza activity may rise again. The CHP once again urges all persons aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications, that if they have not yet received an SIV, they can still get vaccinated now.

The CHP also reminded members of the public that, especially for children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, they should seek medical advice promptly for early treatment if they present with fever and respiratory symptoms. As children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly, parents must pay close attention to their children's condition. They should go to an Accident and Emergency Department immediately if the child's condition deteriorates, for example, if they develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions.

Separately, high-risk individuals should wear surgical masks when staying in crowded places. People with respiratory symptoms, even if mild, should wear a surgical mask and seek medical advice promptly. They should also consider whether to attend work or school.

Members of the public may refer to the CHP'sCOVID-19 & Flu Express,Seasonal Influenza Webpage,COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Webpage, andVaccination Schemes Webpage, for the latest information.

Source: AI-found images