Govt reviews rainstorm response

September 12, 2023

Chief Executive John Lee:

In dealing with (the) extreme weather, we have been doing what is expected under the present system. There are three areas of response. First of all is the alert so that people will know about the coming of the extreme weather, the second is actually responding to the incident, and the third part is the recovery.

I have very quickly done a re-examination of the whole process, and I think for the response and for the recovery the Government has been doing what is expected and required. I thank the Government officials and civil servants (for devoting themselves) sleeplessly and endlessly to these two important missions.

As regard to the alert and early warning, as I have described in regard to predictions of rainfall, particularly very unpredictable and always-changing rainstorms, there is a limitation as to how at present scientific predictions can do. But I have also indicated that, despite the limitations (of) science, we still have to think of other ways of helping people to get to know more information earlier and in (more) detail. This would include increasing the risk factors when we consider sending out alert signals.

Over the years, we have been improving our response to extreme weather, in particular the drainage system. We have reduced the flooding blackspots from over 100 to what now remains, (which) is four. That means we have a continuing exercise to reduce the risk of flooding. We will continue to do that.

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

When it comes to dealing with extreme weather, Chief Executive John Lee said while the Government has been doing what is needed concerning response and recovery efforts, it will look into how it can enhance its rainstorm alerts.

He made the remarks ahead of this morning’s Executive Council meeting and pointed out, while fielding questions from the media, that there are three areas of response to consider.

Mr Lee said: “I have very quickly done a re-examination of the whole process, and I think for the response and for the recovery the Government has been doing what is expected and required. I thank the Government officials and civil servants (for devoting themselves) sleeplessly and endlessly to these two important missions.”

The Chief Executive explained that because of global warming, the frequency of sudden and extreme weather conditions may come more often than before.

As a result, he emphasised that the Government will seek ways to help people obtain more information earlier and in more detail.

He pointed out that it will be more thorough in regard to planning so that communication equipment, the mobilisation system and most importantly, the early alert system can be even better as Hong Kong progresses into the future to deal with the rising frequency of extreme weather.

“As regards to the alert and early warning, as I have described in regard to predictions of rainfall, particularly very unpredictable and always-changing rainstorms, there is a limitation as to what at present scientific predictions can do.

“But I have also indicated that, despite the limitations (of) science, we still have to think of other ways of helping people to get to know more information earlier and in (more) detail. This would include increasing the risk factors when we consider sending out alert signals.”

Mr Lee reiterated that the Government has been improving its response to extreme weather, in particular the city’s drainage system as the Drainage Services Department has implemented measures at relevant locations to ensure the drainage system’s capacity.

“We have reduced the flooding blackspots from over 100 to what now remains, (which) is four. That means we have a continuing exercise to reduce the risk of flooding. We will continue to do that.”

Drainage enhancement works are being planned, with priority given to areas with high risk of flooding, he added.

Separately, the Chief Executive announced that help desks have been set up by the Home Affairs Department to help citizens with financial difficulties as a result of Super Typhoon Saola and torrential rain. Those manning such help desks can assist people with registering for emergency relief funds provided by government departments and major charity groups.

From today until tomorrow, the help desks at 20 Home Affairs Enquiry Centres will open from 9am to 7pm, while those located at 27 rural committees will open from 10am to 6pm.