With adverse weather conditions forecast for Hong Kong, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki today chaired a meeting of the steering committee for the handling of extreme weather.

The meeting was convened to review and steer cross-departmental preparations and response plans with respect to typhoons, rainstorms and thunderstorms.

Tropical Cyclone Danas, now over Fujian, is forecast to enter Guangdong tomorrow and weaken gradually. An active southwest monsoon to its south will generally affect the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary tomorrow and Friday, and there will be torrential rain and squally thunderstorms over Hong Kong, with the weather possibly becoming relatively severe by then.

Members of the public are advised to pay attention to the latest weather forecasts and warnings from the Observatory.

At the meeting, the Drainage Services Department reported that it had made special arrangements to inspect and carry out clearance at about 240 locations which are prone to flooding due to blockages. 

The “just-in-time” arrangement will continue, with 180 emergency response teams conducting inspection and clearance of drainage channels in different districts across the city.

The Highways Department will inspect flood warning systems installed at road tunnels and pedestrian subways with a higher risk of flooding. Locations include the Kwun Tong Road Underpass and pedestrian subways along the Shing Mun River in Sha Tin, the Lam Tsuen River in Tai Po and the Tai Po River. 

Meanwhile, District Offices have also initiated relevant response measures, including co-ordinating with other departments and organisations to enhance preparedness. They will mobilise District Council members, members of “the three committees” and Care Team members to disseminate the latest weather information to residents in flood-prone areas, reminding them to make necessary preparations.

The Security Bureau’s Emergency Monitoring & Support Centre (EMSC) will be fully activated from 5pm tomorrow to monitor the situation in the city.

Utilising the Common Operational Picture, the EMSC will conduct real-time citywide monitoring, and integrate updates from various departments to swiftly assess risks and formulate response plans and measures.

Various emergency response teams – including the Fire Services Department, the Police Force, the Civil Aid Service and the Auxiliary Medical Service – have completed all necessary preparatory work and are on standby in order to handle possible emergencies during heavy rainstorms and high winds, and to provide assistance to those in need.

Moreover, the Transport Department’s Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will operate round-the-clock to closely monitor traffic and transport conditions in co-operation with public transport agencies. It will disseminate emergency traffic information and public transport service arrangements to the public in a timely manner.

The Education Bureau will also closely monitor the weather conditions and announce arrangements for schools and for Primary Six students’ registrations with their allocated secondary schools in a timely manner to allow parents and students to make early preparations.