​As some coastal low-lying areas may be affected by the storm surge brought by the tropical cyclone Ma-on, the Director of Drainage Services, Ms Alice Pang, today (August 24) viewed the coastal low-lying or windy areas with higher risks to understand the progress of the Drainage Services Department's (DSD's) measures for coping with the storm surge.
      
     The Government has recently identified coastal low-lying or windy areas with higher risks. A storm surge warning system is also set among the departments. Upon the issuance of warning on storm surge by the Hong Kong Observatory, the DSD will implement measures at relevant locations to cope with the storm surge. The precautionary measures viewed by Ms Pang included the installation of demountable flood barriers, deployment of pumping facilities and provision of sandbags. In addition, the DSD has also set up temporary pedestrian staircases and walkway at Lei Yue Mun to minimise the impact of inundated roads to residents.
      
     Ms Pang has earlier viewed a number of rivers in the New Territories to understand the department's desilting work, which include the application of desilting robot in river desilting work so that the works can be carried out without the limitation of tide and weather, ensuring the safety of the staff and enhancing efficiency. During the rainy season, the DSD will step up the inspection of drainage facilities and carry out desilting work when necessary.
      
     In addition, the DSD manages an Emergency Control Centre (ECC). When a Red or Black Rainstorm Warning signal is hoisted, a special announcement on Flooding in the northern New Territories is issued, or the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or higher is in force, the ECC will deploy the emergency response teams to handle flooding reports and carry out emergency clearance work for blocked drains and channels. The staff of the DSD's contractor will also station at the locations prone to flooding for immediate drains inspection and clearance to minimise the flooding risk.
      
     The ECC will also provide information on the flooding situation and the real-time water level of major rivers to relevant departments for their preparation for rescue and evacuation.
      
     Ms Pang reminds members of the public to complete precautionary measures as soon as possible. When encountering serious flooding, evacuate immediately. They should also keep drains clear at all times and prevent the blocking of drainage intakes. If abnormalities with public drainage facilities are found, they should immediately call the 24-hour Drainage Hotline at 2300 1110.

Ends/Wednesday, August 24, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:33

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