The recurrence of extreme weather events around the world makes prompt responses and emergency plans a must rather than an option. The Hong Kong government has been repeatedly put to the test in this respect, with the latest heavy rainstorms disrupting school and other activities. The threats may only grow over time, so there needs to be more sustainable strategies and efforts to avert a crisis.
To the credit of the Hong Kong Observatory, the city was well warned in advance of the strong winds and heavy rain during the latter half of the week. Even so, the downpours since late Wednesday evening caught many unprepared. The authorities moved to adjust school operation and enrolment arrangements in the wake of several alternating amber and red rainstorm alerts yesterday.
Well aware of the impact of the receding Typhoon Danas and an active southwest monsoon in the region, officials put in place a series of measures following a cross-departmental meeting on Wednesday. These include clearances at about 240 flood-prone locations by the Drainage Services Department and inspections of flood warning systems at tunnels and subways by the Highways Department. District councillors and care teams were also mobilised to alert residents of the risks in flood-prone areas.
The government learned a painful lesson in September 2023 when the worst rainstorm in more than a century wreaked havoc in urban and rural areas. Thankfully, the damage is less severe this time. But those caught by the heavy rain and school suspensions might wish to see better coordination and smoother arrangements. Officials should go beyond having ad hoc meetings each time a storm strikes and set up a response system for the long term.
Notwithstanding the city’s advanced urban infrastructure and management, the threats arising from global warming cannot be ignored. The increasingly unpredictable and extreme weather is constantly putting the government’s response to the test.
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