The Civil Service Bureau today conducted a tabletop exercise, testing the mobilisation efficiency of all government departments to further familiarise them with the operation of the mobilisation protocol and enhance the Government's emergency response capabilities.

The exercise simulated a scenario in which a super typhoon was approaching Hong Kong and its associated torrential rain might result in serious flooding in some low-lying areas.

As a consequence, it was necessary for the Government to promptly mobilise a significant number of staff across departments to form a quick response unit accordingly to provide timely support.

In accordance with the requirement of the "government-wide mobilisation" level, all bureaus and departments, as well as the Independent Commission Against Corruption, have to arrange around 10,000 personnel on standby through an interdepartmental communication mechanism established for the "government-wide mobilisation" level.

Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung, who was briefed on the communications among the different departments during the exercise, noted that the exercise was generally smooth, fully demonstrating the departments' progressive enhancements in alertness and responsiveness under the "government-wide mobilisation" level.

The interdepartmental communication mechanism can also continue to support the operation of the mobilisation protocol in a highly efficient manner, Mrs Yeung said, adding that the exercise’s successful completion is an affirmation of the mature operation of the mobilisation protocol, and showcases the flexibility, efficiency and solidarity of the civil service.

In September 2023, the Government activated the mobilisation protocol twice, mobilising more than 600 government staff from 16 bureaus and department to take part in the operations that assisted in the recovery work in the wake of Super Typhoon Saola and the torrential rain.