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To enhance the public's understanding of natural hazards so that appropriate response action can be taken to reduce natural disasters for a safer living environment, the Government today (April 8) launched a "Safer Living - Reducing Natural Disasters" exhibition and rescue drill demonstrations at the Special Exhibition Hall of the Hong Kong Science Museum.
Jointly organised by the Security Bureau, the Civil Engineering and Development Department and Hong Kong Observatory together with other departments, the exhibition features major natural disasters facing the territory, the mitigating engineering works from government departments, the Government's warning systems, emergency response system and rescue operations, and community participation to reduce natural disasters for safer living.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the exhibition, the Director of Civil Engineering and Development, Mr Chai Sung-veng, said natural hazards might be inevitable, but the public could play a part in reducing fatalities in a natural disaster.
"Memories of a few disasters which claimed hundreds of thousands of lives are fresh," he said. "These included the catastrophic Tsunami in late 2004, the earthquakes near Pakistan and India in late 2005, the serious landslides in Guatemala and recently in the Philippines. These tragedies all underline the importance of reducing natural disasters which is the theme of the exhibition."
He also reminded people that with the onset of the wet season, natural disasters in Hong Kong such as landslides and flooding frequently occurred during rainstorms. He urged people to stay alert during rainstorms, pay particular attention to the warning messages issued by the Government and take necessary precautionary measures.
The month-long exhibition will be open from 1pm to 7pm daily until May 7, except on Thursdays when the Science Museum closes. Admission is free.
Visitors can watch and learn useful safety and preparedness programmes through display panels, video and slide shows, interactive computer games and quizzes. Winning entries for the "Safer Living" Slogan and Bookmark Design Contest are also on display.
There will be rescue drills, panel display and game booths on four consecutive Saturdays from 1pm to 6pm, starting April 8 at the Lower Piazza of the Science Museum. The drills are organised by Hong Kong Red Cross, Auxiliary Medical Service, Civil Aid Service and Fire Services Department.
The exhibition and four rescue drills are the closing event of a year-long community education campaign on "Safer Living - Reducing Natural Disasters" jointly organised by the Security Bureau, Civil Engineering and Development Department, Hong Kong Observatory, Drainage Services Department, Information Services Department, Hong Kong Red Cross and The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers.
For details of the exhibition and rescue drills, please visit the website http://saferliving.info.gov.hk.
Ends/Saturday, April 8, 2006
Issued at HKT 15:01
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