The "government-wide mobilization" level activated for the first time to enhance relief work after Typhoon Saola

The "government-wide mobilization" level was activated for the first time on Saturday for authorities to coordinate emergency operations and provide support in several districts after Typhoon Saola skirted Hong Kong.

The measure was announced in the 2022 policy address to enhance the mobilization protocol by introducing a "government-wide mobilization" level. A list of designated personnel from various departments was drawn up in advance to ensure that civil servants can be mobilized promptly as the basis for a quick response unit to provide immediate manpower support and auxiliary teams during incidents or major crises.

The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau approved by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu yesterday to activate the level and mobilized over 100 civil servants from different departments to perform relief work following the passage of Saola.

Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen led some civil servants to Sha Tau Kok to help the elderly in temporary shelters return to their residential care homes.

Others from the quick response unit were deployed to Tung Chung Heung to clean up garbage, fallen branches, and leaves on roads. Some of the members went to Kwun Tong to help residents remove sandbags. 

They also cleaned the pavement of Hoi Pong Road, Lei Yue Mun and the Lei Yue Mun Sports Centre which was used as a temporary shelter.