As some coastal low-lying areas may be affected by the storm surge brought by the Super Typhoon Saola, the Director of Drainage Services, Ms Alice Pang, inspected the coastal low-lying or windy areas with higher risks to understand the progress of the Drainage Services Department's (DSD's) measures for coping with the storm surge today (August 31).
During the passage of typhoon, coastal low-lying or windy areas are susceptible to flood risk. A storm surge alert system was established among relevant departments. The DSD has implemented measures at relevant locations to cope with the storm surge. Ms Pang inspected the precautionary measures at Lei Yue Mun including the condition of drainage channels, installation of demountable flood barriers, deployment of pumping facilities and provision of sandbags. In addition, the DSD has also set up temporary pedestrian walkway to minimise the impact of inundated roads to residents.
To further lower the flood risks in Tsim Sha Tsui district, the DSD is now carrying out the drainage improvement works in Tsim Sha Tsui, which includes the construction of an underground storage tank beneath the Urban Council Centenary Garden and addition of drains at nearby streets to increase the capacity of the drainage system. Ms Pang inspected the progress of construction works and the drainage performance of the completed minor drainage improvement works to ensure the flood prevention measures are operating normally.
In addition, the DSD utilises smart systems to provide weather information and flood warnings to members of the public. Located in the vicinity of Sha Tin Hoi and Tolo Harbour, the water level of Shing Mun River is susceptible to storm surge, monsoon and high tide, which floods the adjacent low-lying cycle track and pedestrian walkway. Ms Pang inspected DSD's "smart flood prevention system" installed at the riparian area of Shing Mun River, which includes display panel/smart pole installed at locations near the main pedestrian passages alongside Shing Mun River, and QR code installed at the riverside as well as the subways' entrances. The system allows members of the public to obtain real-time water level images, weather and tidal information announced by Hong Kong Observatory and flood warning messages, to enhance the alertness of members of the public at low-lying locations to stay safe. The smart pole also has smart cameras to detect the flooding and pedestrian condition in order to strengthen public's awareness of flood risk.
Ms Pang also visited the DSD's Emergency Control Centre (ECC) and the backup ECC. When a Red or Black Rainstorm Warning signal is hoisted, a special announcement on Flooding in the northern New Territories is issued, or the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or higher is in force, the DSD's ECC will be activated to coordinate the emergency clearance work for blocked drains and channels, deploy the emergency response teams to handle flooding reports and carry out emergency clearance works for blocked drains and channels.
DSD reminds members of the public to complete precautionary measures as soon as possible, keep the drains clear at all times and avoid blockage of drainage intakes. When encountering serious flooding, evacuate immediately. If flooding condition is found, they should immediately call the 24-hour Drainage Hotline at 2300 1110.
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