November 2024 was characterised by the successive strikes of tropical cyclones Yinxing, Toraji and Man-yi at the end of the typhoon season of Hong Kong, necessitating the issuance of tropical cyclone warning signals for these three episodes, the first time in November since 1946. With a stronger than normal cyclonic flow in the lower atmosphere over the coast of southern China, the month was also cloudier and wetter than usual. The mean amount of cloud in the month was 71 per cent, around 13 per cent above the normal of 58 per cent. The monthly total rainfall recorded at the Hong Kong Observatory was 194.1 millimetres, about five times the November normal of 39.3 millimetres and the second highest on record for November, just after the 224.2 millimetres recorded in November 1914. The accumulated rainfall up to November this year was 2 309.7 millimetres, a deficit of around 4 per cent compared with the normal of 2 402.4 millimetres for the same period. Despite the rather gloomy and rainy conditions, the month was warmer than usual with the mean temperature of 23.0 degrees, 0.8 degrees above the normal and one of the ninth highest on record for November. Together with the higher than usual temperatures in September and October, the autumn of this year was much warmer than usual. The mean temperature of 26.5 degrees and mean minimum temperature of 24.5 degrees were both the highest on record for the same period. Moreover, the mean maximum temperature of 29.2 degrees was one of the highest on record for the same period.

     Under the influence of a dry northeast monsoon, the weather of Hong Kong was fine and dry on the first day of the month. With plenty of sunshine, temperatures at the Observatory rose to a maximum of 30.6 degrees that afternoon, the highest of the month. With a band of clouds covering the coastal areas of Guangdong, local weather turned cloudier in the following few days with a few light rain patches on November 3 and 4. While there were still a few rain patches at first on November 5, the weather turned dry, with sunny periods during the day with the arrival of a replenishment of the northeast monsoon. Under the prevalence of the dry northeast monsoon, it was generally fine during the day on November 6 and 7 apart from a few light rain patches in the morning.

     Meanwhile, an area of low pressure over the western North Pacific to the east of the Philippines intensified into a tropical depression on November 3 and was later named Yinxing. It moved northwestwards towards the northern part of Luzon and progressively intensified into a super typhoon in the following four days. After skirting past the northern part of Luzon, Yinxing tracked generally westwards across the northern part of the South China Sea on November 8 and 9. It then turned to move southwestwards over the seas southeast of Hainan Island and weakened gradually on November 10 and 11. Yinxing finally weakened into an area of low pressure over the coastal waters of central Vietnam on November 12.

     Moreover, another area of low pressure over the seas east of the Philippines progressively intensified into a tropical storm and was named Toraji on November 9. It then moved west-northwestwards towards Luzon and progressively intensified into a typhoon in the following two days. After moving across Luzon, Toraji entered the central part of the South China Sea on the afternoon of November 11. It then tracked generally northwestwards towards the coast of Guangdong on November 12 and 13, and weakened gradually. Toraji turned to track slowly westwards across the seas south of Hong Kong on the morning of November 14. It finally weakened into an area of low pressure over the seas south of Shangchuan Dao on the morning of November 15.

     Furthermore, an area of low pressure over the western North Pacific progressively intensified into a tropical storm and was named Man-yi on November 9. It moved towards Luzon in the following seven days and intensified into a super typhoon on November 16. After moving across Luzon on November 17, Man-yi tracked generally west-northwestwards across the northern part of the South China Sea the next day and weakened. Man-yi gradually turned to track southwestwards on the afternoon of November 19 and finally weakened into an area of low pressure over the seas southeast of Hainan Island on the morning of November 20.

     While the weather of Hong Kong was fine and dry during the day on November 8, with the approach of Yinxing, it turned cloudy with isolated showers at night. Under the combined effect of the northeast monsoon and Yinxing, the weather of Hong Kong was mainly cloudy with a few showers on November 9 and 10. Strong winds affected many places of the territory on the night of November 9 and the next morning. With Yinxing departing from Hong Kong, local winds moderated gradually during the day on November 10.

     While there were a few isolated showers at first on November 11, the weather turned mainly fine on the afternoon and the next day. With the approach of Toraji, the weather of Hong Kong deteriorated again with a few squally showers on November 13. Local winds also strengthened gradually in the afternoon. As Toraji was expected to come rather close to Hong Kong with its associated gale force winds posing a threat to the territory, the Observatory issued the No. 8 Gale or Storm Signal on the night of November 13, the latest issuance of the No. 8 Gale or Storm Signal during a year since 1946. Strong to gale force northeasterly winds affected most parts of the territory at first on November 14. The outer rainbands of Toraji also brought squally showers to Hong Kong on that day. With the weakening of Toraji, local winds moderated gradually later on November 14. Under the influence of the remnants of Toraji, the weather remained cloudy with occasional rain on November 15. More than 30 millimetres of rainfall were generally recorded over the territory, and rainfall even exceeded 70 millimetres over parts of Sha Tin and Tai Po Districts on November 14 and 15.

     It was mainly cloudy with a few showers on November 16 and 17, with heavier showers in some areas on the night of November 16. Around 10 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over many places of the territory and rainfall even exceeded 30 millimetres over the eastern part of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon East. A fresh to strong northeast monsoon affected Hong Kong on November 18 and there were sunny intervals. There were also a few light rain patches with the approach of Man-yi. Under the combined effects of a spring tide, northeast monsoon and Man-yi, water levels in Hong Kong were particularly high on the night of November 18. The water levels of Quarry Bay, Tai O and Tai Po Kau reached 3.36, 3.36 and 3.52 metres above the Chart Datum respectively and they were all the highest on record for November. Minor flooding occurred in some low-lying areas including the banks of Shing Mun River, Lei Yue Mun, Tai O and Sha Tau Kok.

     Under the influence of the northeast monsoon and a broad band of rain-bearing clouds, the weather was gloomy and rainy on November 19 and 20. The rain was heavier at first on November 20, and more than 50 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over most parts of the territory. There were still a few rain patches at first on November 21. With the band of clouds covering the coast of southern China thinning out gradually, there were sunny intervals that afternoon and on November 22. Affected by a fresh to strong easterly airstream, the weather was mainly cloudy with a few rain patches from November 23 to 25. A cold front moved across the coastal areas of Guangdong in the small hours on November 26. Locally, while there were a few showers at first, under the influence of the associated dry northeast monsoon, the weather turned fine and dry during the day and remained so till the end of the month. It was cool in the morning and at night on the last three days of the month, with temperatures at the Observatory dropping to a minimum of 16.5 degrees on the morning of November 30, the lowest of the month. Temperatures were appreciably lower in the New Territories.

     Five tropical cyclones occurred over the South China Sea and the western North Pacific in November 2024.

     Details of issuance and cancellation of various warnings/signals in the month are summarised in Table 1. Monthly meteorological figures and departures from normal for November are tabulated in Table 2. 

     The Digital Policy Office (DPO) launched a thematic web page on data governance today (December 3) covering the Principles of Data Governance and the relevant strategy, guidelines, and technical standards, etc concerning data governance to introduce the Government's data governance policies in a one-stop manner.

     In December last year, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau promulgated the Policy Statement on Facilitating Data Flow and Safeguarding Data Security in Hong Kong, which proposed enhancing data governance as one of its action items. Following the establishment of the DPO in July 2024, the thematic data governance web page aims to integrate existing data governance strategies focusing on open data and data sharing, and elaborate in detail the guiding principles and work objectives set by the Government for data governance, thereby enhancing the quality and reliability of data, promoting data flow and sharing, and strengthening data protection. These efforts support government departments and society in leveraging data better for development.

     There are three guiding principles of data governance:
 

1. The opening up, sharing and application of data shall be conducted in compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and ensure the protection of personal data privacy. Personal data sharing must be conducted with appropriate authorisation;
2. Data security forms the foundation of open data and data sharing. The opening up, sharing and application of data shall take into account data security, which includes ensuring security and protection of data content, as well as safeguards on the sharing, flow and usage of data; and
3. Corresponding data governance principles should be adopted for different types of data to balance the opening up, usage and protection of data.

     The Principles of Data Governance as attached have been uploaded to the data governance thematic web page for reference by industries and the general public (www.digitalpolicy.gov.hk/en/our_work/data_governance/policies_standards/). The thematic web page also provides consolidated information on data policy, laws and guidelines, supporting facilities, as well as protection of data security, etc.

     Police today (December 3) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Wong Tai Sin.

     Hussain Fida, aged 72, went missing after he left his residence in Wang Tau Hom Estate yesterday (December 2) morning. His family made a report to Police on the same day.
         
     He is about 1.65 metres tall, 80 kilograms in weight and of medium build. He has a long face with dark complexion and is bald. He was last seen wearing a brown top, brown trousers, black shoes, a black scarf on his head and carrying a brown walking stick.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of Kowloon East on 3661 0321 or email to rmpu-ke-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

  

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Salvation Army Charity Christmas Luncheon 2024 today (December 3):
 
David (Chairperson of the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army, Dr David Li), Colonel Philip (Territorial Commander of the Salvation Army, Mr Philip Maxwell) and Colonel Deslea (Territorial President of Women's Ministries of the Salvation Army, Mrs Deslea Maxwell), soldiers of the Salvation Army, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good afternoon.
      
     It is a pleasure to join you all at this year's Salvation Army Charity Christmas Luncheon. Today, we gather not only to celebrate the season of giving but also to enjoy the warmth of fellowship and the joy of sharing together. As we share this festive meal, let us remember that every bite we take is a reminder of the abundance we have and the importance of sharing that abundance with those in need. 

     This message is especially true in a world marked by persistent conflicts and humanitarian crises. They are vivid reminders that peace and safety cannot be taken for granted. They remind that we must not forget the simple virtue: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you".   

     Though we are living in troubled times, there is a beacon of hope. Across the globe, there are compassionate groups and individuals who care deeply about the well-being of others, who devote their time and resources, and sometimes even at the risk of their own safety, to bring hope and help to those who are less fortunate. 

     The Salvation Army is one of them. 

     You have come a long way. Since 1930, the Salvation Army has been dedicated to serving the needy in Hong Kong through a wide range of services, including education, healthcare, and housing. As one of the largest NGOs subvented by the Social Welfare Department, you operate over 100 social service units, schools and education centres across Hong Kong, serving individuals from all backgrounds and ages.  

     I'm pleased to note that your kindness extends beyond Hong Kong to the Mainland. In addition to running community development offices in Yunnan and Sichuan, you gave a helping hand, earlier this year, to those who suffered from earthquakes in Gansu and Qinghai, supporting their winter resettlement as well as post-disaster recovery and reconstruction. 

     Ladies and gentlemen, my heartfelt appreciation goes to the Salvation Army, and to all of you, for your kindness, generosity and dedication to serving those in need and making a difference in people's lives. 

     As Proverbs 11:25 reminds us, "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." 

     At this festive season, let us share our joy, peace and blessings with our family, friends, colleagues and those around us. May our blessings be the blessings to others too. 

     Thank you, and may you have a blessed Christmas filled with joy, peace, love and abundance.

  

The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:

     The inaugural International Ombudsman Summit 2024 hosted by the Office of The Ombudsman of Hong Kong in the Hong Kong Palace Museum, West Kowloon Cultural District officially opened this morning (December 3). 

     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Director-General of International Cooperation Department, National Commission of Supervision, Mr Cai Wei; Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Fang Jianming; and the Ombudsman of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China, Mr Jack Chan, officiated at the Summit Opening Ceremony.     

     In his opening remarks at the ceremony, Mr Chan Kwok-ki said, "Hong Kong has much to offer the world, East and West. Our judiciary is independent, we practice the rule of law, believe in efficient government and a simple and low tax system. We are blessed with modern infrastructure, a world-class financial and professional services sector, and, yes, an internationally respected Office of the Ombudsman." 

     Mr Cai provided three suggestions in his keynote speech to further enhance exchanges and co-operation within the ombudsman community, firstly, to respect equality and inclusiveness; secondly, to focus on practical co-operation; and thirdly, to strengthen exchanges and mutual learning. Mr Cai's suggestions reiterate the objectives of the Summit. 

      The Summit has received an overwhelming response from ombudsmen and institutions worldwide and representatives from international bodies. Around 140 overseas and Mainland participants from about 40 countries and regions across six continents, including the First Vice President of the International Ombudsman Institute, Mr Mohamed Benalilou, the President of the Asian Ombudsman Association, Mr Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi, a multitude of ombudsmen, over 30 consuls, and senior personnel from more than 20 international bodies and local organisations, attended the Summit. The International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the Office of European Union to Hong Kong and Macao, the Badan Arbitrase Nasional Indonesia Arbitration Centre and the Institution of the Mediator of the Kingdom of Morocco are among those international bodies. The Office has also arranged live streaming to facilitate global counterparts' participation in the Summit, attracting a large number of online participants. This reflects that the Summit has served its purpose of promoting knowledge exchanges at the global level.

     In his welcoming remarks, Mr Jack Chan noted, "The Summit offers the best occasion for bringing together ombudsmen and institutions from around the world, local, the Mainland and international professionals and academia. It also provides the best opportunity for Hong Kong to demonstrate our distinctive advantage of having strong support from the motherland and close connection with the world under 'one country, two systems'.

     "The Summit, with the theme 'Ombudsman in a Changing World: Learning from the Past; Preparing for the Future', provides a platform for ombudsmen of different jurisdictions and systems, dispute resolution organisations, professionals and academics from all around the globe to exchange insights and share experiences and best practices. It also enables meaningful discussions about the evolving challenges faced by ombudsman systems and institutions as well as in-depth deliberations on future developments in the field. The Summit features three panel sessions: the first two sessions, namely 'Learning from the Past' and 'Preparing for the Future', finished this morning, while the third session, 'Promoting Mediation and Multi-agencies Collaboration in Handling Public Complaints', will take place in the afternoon."

     Following the afternoon panel session, the Closing Ceremony of the Summit and the 35th Anniversary Reception Ceremony will be held in the evening. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will officiate at the closing and anniversary ceremonies and witness at the Exchange Ceremony of Memoranda of Understanding on Bilateral Cooperation. Overseas guests, Members of the Executive Council and the Legislative Council, senior government officials, chairpersons of chambers of commerce, and local professionals and academics will join the reception to celebrate the Office's achievements of the past 35 years.

     For more information on the Summit and the anniversary celebration, please visit the Summit website: www.ios2024.ombudsman.hk