With severe tropical storm Kompasu gradually edging closer to Hong Kong and the announcement of the Hong Kong Observatory that it will consider issuing the Gale or Storm Signal No. 8 later in the afternoon, the Home Affairs Department (HAD) announced today (October 12) that it has, through Rural Committees and the Property Management Services Authority, appealed to residents in rural areas, property management companies and households to take precautionary measures against strong winds and flooding. The District Offices have also contacted such bodies as District Councils, Area Committees, District Fight Crime Committees, District Fire Safety Committees, Rural Committees, owners' corporations, owners' committees, mutual aid committees and resident liaison ambassadors to seek their assistance in reminding residents to pay attention to the latest information on inclement weather conditions from the Observatory and take precautionary measures against strong winds and flooding.
The outer rainbands of Kompasu will bring squally showers to Hong Kong tonight. Storm surges and heavy rain may lead to flooding in low-lying areas. People who are likely to be affected should take necessary precautions to minimise their exposure to risks posed by storm, heavy rain and flooding so as to avoid losses.
The District Offices will pay close attention to black spots and low-lying areas which may have serious flooding, and take precautionary measures with the Drainage Services Department. The District Offices have also contacted residents and village representatives in some flood-prone areas for early alerts and support on precautionary measures, and will closely monitor the situation and if necessary open temporary shelters in advance before the issue of Gale or Storm Signal No. 8 to accommodate people in need. In this connection, Kwun Tong District Office will open the temporary shelter at Lei Yue Mun Sports Centre upon issue of Signal No. 8. Islands District Office will likewise open the Tai O Rural Committee Office as a temporary shelter in the afternoon and operate more temporary shelters on an as-needed basis.
Members of the public who wish to enquire about services provided during inclement weather conditions may contact the HAD's emergency hotline at 2572 8427.
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