In light of the extreme weather conditions that have beleaguered Hong Kong recently, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu discussed various measures the city is contemplating to improve its preparedness and response.
Rainstorm Alerts: Providing Comprehensive Information
The unpredictability of rainstorms makes it challenging to ensure residents are adequately prepared. Lee emphasizes the need for enhanced rainstorm alerts, proposing that more detailed information be provided. The objective is to help residents better understand the situation and make informed decisions.
According to Lee, merely sharing rainfall levels might not be enough. Providing insights into the direction of the impending rainstorm and other vital data could be more effective in preparing citizens. This comes in the wake of the black warning – the highest-level rainstorm alert in Hong Kong – issued with minimal advance notice. This unexpected alert was necessitated by a record-breaking downpour that led to extensive flash floods, turning streets into river-like torrents, and inundating crucial infrastructure, including the Wong Tai Sin MTR station.
Parts of Kwun Tong and Tseung Kwan O experienced flooding again amidst heavy rain a few days later.
Government Initiatives to Tackle Flooding
Lee is assertive in defending the city’s preparedness for such unprecedented events. He highlighted the government’s consistent efforts in addressing flooding concerns. Over the years, several problematic areas, known as flooding black spots, have been addressed and resolved.
In the aftermath of the recent rainstorm, concerted efforts were made by authorities to ensure recovery, which bore fruit, as the city was largely back to normal over the weekend.
However, the extremity of the weather event has triggered introspection within the Drainage Services Department about their flood management strategies. Lee shared that there are plans for drainage expansion, maintenance works, and the initiation of new projects in different parts of the city. He emphasized that areas with higher risks, especially those which have witnessed flooding recently, will receive priority.
Furthermore, Lee pledged to intensify efforts to clear blockages in the drainage system throughout the city, mitigating future flooding risks. As a preventive measure, he also advised residents to maintain distance from slopes and trees, given the soil’s saturation due to the excessive rainfall.
However, he clarified that a citywide warning was not deemed necessary on the morning that followed the major downpour, as the rain affected a localized region and lasted a short duration.
Community Voices and Concerns
In the wake of these extreme weather events, various stakeholders voiced their concerns and suggestions. Yau Ho-lun, the vice-chairman of the Sai Kung District Committee, disclosed that around 40 homes in Ma Yau Tong village experienced flooding. He underscored the village’s communal spirit as residents banded together to assist one another before official government aid arrived.
One of Yau’s major concerns is the lack of an integrated system across departments to manage flooding effectively. He pressed for Ma Yau Tong village to be recognized as a flooding black spot, urging for measures to ensure resident safety.
Wilson Or Chong-shing, the Chairman of the Kwun Tong District Council, also weighed in, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of drainage facilities. He stressed the importance of continuous oversight on the maintenance and drainage of underground water channels in the region.
A Look at the Unprecedented Weather Conditions
Hong Kong witnessed a historic meteorological event when a black rainstorm alert was signaled, starting at 11.05 pm on a Thursday evening, lasting an astounding 16 hours. The city registered the highest amount of rain in an hour ever recorded. The Observatory headquarters recorded an impressive 158.1mm (6.2 inches) of rainfall between 11 pm and midnight – the most since records started in 1884.
Conclusion
Hong Kong’s tryst with extreme weather events has emphasized the need for robust preparedness strategies. With the government’s active response, combined with inputs from community stakeholders, Hong Kong aspires to build a resilient system that effectively prepares and protects its residents from future weather adversities.
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