Government responding to emergencies and getting prepared for bad weather

The rainstorm and hailstorm this evening have affected many areas in Hong Kong including Tuen Mun, Tsuen Wan, Tsing Yi, Sham Tseng, Kwai Chung, Kowloon Tong, Sha Tin and Tai Wai. Besides flooding, the severe weather has caused the shattering of a glass ceiling at a shopping mall in Kowloon Tong, thus letting rainwater in. There have also been disruptions to flights at the airport. The Hong Kong Observatory has issued a special announcement on flooding and other warnings. I want to express my sympathies to people affected by the rainstorm, hailstorm and flooding. I appeal to you all to stay vigilant in the coming few days, and pay close attention to weather, slope, road and traffic conditions. Before going to school or work tomorrow, remember to check the weather report, school announcements and traffic news.

The relevant government departments are doing their best to respond to emergencies in the affected areas. The weather is likely to remain highly unstable in the next few days. While closely monitoring the situation and taking follow-up action, these government departments are also getting fully prepared for the coming inclement weather.

March 30, 2014