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About 40 district councillors and their assistants attended a weather course organised by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) and the Home Affairs Department today (January 22). The objective of the course was to enhance public awareness of disaster prevention through district leaders. The contents of the course included weather warnings and disaster prevention, obtaining information from the Observatory website, and a tour of the Hong Kong Meteorological Centre at the HKO.
"Even though Hong Kong society is stable and affluent, the hazards being brought by natural disasters are often neglected. Thunderstorms, lightning and rainstorms are indeed dangerous, but cold and very hot weather also take a heavy toll every year. Meaningless deaths caused by engaging in water sports during typhoons are not new. As such, the ultimate goal for this training course is to enhance public awareness of disaster prevention," Mr Lam Chiu-ying, Director of the HKO, said before the course.
Mr Chan Man-yu, Chairman of Yau Tsim Mong District Council said he was glad to see the Government organising the activity. "The course is very practical. As district councillors have close relationships with the public, we are happy to share with our neighbours what we have learned today. Hopefully they will be prepared for the hazards next time inclement weather hits, thus reducing loss of lives and property," Mr Chan said.
Ends/Monday, January 22, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:40
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