Government underpins all-out efforts to cope with flooding in various districts

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     The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) said, the trough of low pressure associated with remnant of Haikui has brought torrential rain to the coast of Guangdong since last night (September 7). From last night more than 70 millimeter of rainfall were recorded in most parts of the territory, and even over 200mm were recorded in Kowloon, the northeastern part of the New Territories and Hong Kong Island. The Observatory Headquarters recorded hourly rainfall of 158.1mm between 11pm last night and midnight, which was the highest record since 1884. The HKO also issued Rainstorm Warning Signals, landslip warning and the Special Announcement on Flooding in the northern New Territories last night.

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, is very concerned about the severe flooding in most parts of the territory, and has instructed all departments to respond with all-out efforts. The Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre under the Security Bureau was activated at 23.05pm last night. The disciplined services are handling emergency requests. A number of government departments, including the Drainage Services Department (DSD), the Highways Department (HyD), the Home Affairs Department (HAD) and relevant departments are taking full response actions and going to the affected regions to deal with various scenarios.

     As at 1am today (September 8), the DSD received 12 confirmed cases of flooding. Forty emergency teams from the DSD and HyD attended to the flooded areas to handle flooding cases.

     After the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal was issued at 11.05pm last night, the HAD swiftly activated its Emergency Co-ordination Centre at the same time, and opened temporary shelters for people in need of temporary accommodation. The first temporary shelter started operation at 11.35pm last night. As at 1am today, a total of 12 temporary shelters have been put into operation. In response to water discharge from the Shenzhen Reservoir in midnight, the North District Office specially arranged vehicles before midnight to pick up villagers from six villages that may be affected by flooding to temporary shelters for temporary stay.

     A Government spokesman urged again the members of the public to stay indoors and stay away from low-lying areas to safeguard personal safety during adverse weather. They should also stay tuned to the latest warning messages issued by the HKO, the relevant departments and organisations.

     The Government will remain vigilant in assessing the latest situation of the weather, roads and public transport services, and announce whether it is necessary to suspend work and classes today before 6am to safeguard public safety.

Ends/Friday, September 8, 2023
Issued at HKT 3:43

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