Islands District Office co-ordinates interdepartmental drill on emergency situation reaction to flooding in Tai O (with images)
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The Islands District Office (IsDO), in partnership with different federal government departments and regional organisations, performed a rescue and evacuation drill today (May 20) to boost their and locals’ readiness in case of major flooding in Tai O, and to more boost citizens’ understanding of the emergency situation reaction strategy.
The IsDO, the Fire Services Department, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO), the Drainage Services Department, the Social Welfare Department, 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, the Hong Kong Red Cross and the Buddhist Fat Ho Memorial College took part in the drill. With around 200 workers taking part in the drill, it simulated a real circumstance with unforeseen components to increase the trouble. Getting involved departments and organisations were needed to perform rescue jobs right away under unforeseen situations, presenting difficulties to and enhancing their action abilities.
When the HKO projections that the water level at Tai O would increase to 3.3 metres above Chart Datum or more in the coming couple of hours, the emergency situation reaction prepare for extreme flooding in Tai O will be completely triggered. The HKO will release an alert to appropriate federal government departments, organisations, Tai O resident agents and anglers agents by SMS. Upon invoice of the alert, the IsDO will trigger an emergency situation co-ordination centre at the Tai O Rural Committee Office, collectively established by federal government departments and non-governmental organisations. The emergency situation co-ordination centre will co-ordinate any required evacuation, rescue and emergency situation relief efforts for Tai O.
Upon invoice of the HKO’s alert, resident agents and anglers agents in Tai O will likewise assist distribute the details to citizens to allow them to remain alert and take haven in safe areas if required. In addition, momentary shelters at the Tai O Rural Committee Office, the Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association Tai O Community Work Office and the Buddhist Fat Ho Memorial College, and the Transit Centre positioned at Lung Tin Estate will be opened for locals in requirement.