Inter-departmental drill on emergency response to flooding in Tai O (with photos)

     The Islands District Office (IDO), in collaboration with relevant government departments and local organisations, conducted a rescue and evacuation drill today (July 6) to enhance their and residents' preparedness in the event of serious flooding in Tai O and to promote residents' understanding of the emergency response arrangements.

     The Fire Services Department (FSD), the Police, the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO), the Drainage Services Department, the Social Welfare Department (SWD), the Housing Department, the Civil Aid Service, the Tai O Rural Committee, the Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, the Hong Kong Young Women's Christian Association Tai O Community Work Office and the Hong Kong Red Cross participated in the drill.

According to the emergency response plan, when the HKO forecasts that the sea level at Tai O would rise to 3.3 metres Chart Datum (mCD) or more in the coming few hours during a tropical cyclone, the HKO will issue an early alert to relevant government departments/organisations and resident representatives/fishermen representatives by SMS. Upon receipt of the early alert, the IDO would activate an emergency co-ordination centre at the Tai O Rural Committee Office, jointly set up by the IDO, the FSD, the Police, the SWD, other government departments concerned and relevant non-governmental organisations. The emergency co-ordination centre will co-ordinate any necessary evacuation, rescue and emergency relief efforts for Tai O.

Meanwhile, upon receipt of the early alert from the HKO, the resident representatives/fishermen representatives will help to disseminate the information to residents so that the residents can stay vigilant for the flood and take refuge in safe locations if needed. Temporary shelters at the Tai O Rural Committee Office, the Hong Kong Young Women's Christian Association Tai O Community Work Office on the ground floor of Lung Tin Shopping Centre, the Buddhist Fat Ho Memorial College as well as the Lung Tin Transit Centre will be opened for residents in need.