A spokesperson for the Security Bureau (SB) yesterday (September 16) said that, as Super Typhoon Mangkhut was moving away from Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Observatory issued No. 8 Storm Signal at 7.40 pm, the government would be fully committed to performing the relief work.
The SB has contacted relevant government departments in the evening during which the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, had telephone conferences with the Secretaries of the related bureaux, including the Education Bureau, Development Bureau, Transport and Housing Bureau, and Food and Health Bureau, to jointly review the work and relief arrangement by various departments. They also agreed to request all relevant departments to be fully devoted in the relief and recovery work.
The Education Bureau earlier announced class suspension of all schools today (September 17). All relevant government departments, including Drainage Services Department, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Highways Department, Home Affairs Department, Transport Department and all emergency rescue departments have immediately commenced the relief and recovery work. The effort will be further enhanced after the cancellation of the No. 8 Storm Signal. The government will dedicate all necessary resources to ensure that the society could resume normal operation as quickly as possible.
The government expresses appreciation to all personnel from different departments and relevant organisations for their dedication to their jobs. They have overcome all difficulties and challenges in minimising the damages brought by Mangkhut under the unprecedented risks and threats.
The government is also grateful to members of the public for gearing up the precautionary measures, and for their co-operation with various departments in the precautionary, emergency and rescue work. The government also expresses its gratitude towards the mass media for disseminating latest information to ensure the whole community was well prepared for Mangkhut.
As the damages by Mangkhut were severe and extensive, the cleaning and relief work has already commenced, and will be carried out according to priority. The work is challenging, and members of the public may continue to feel inconvenienced. The government appeals to members of the public for their understanding and co-operation. They are also advised to pay attention to the latest announcement by government departments and relevant organisations, and contact the Police or call government hotline 1823 for assistance or enquiries.
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