Former Hong Kong Observatory director Lam Chiu-ying has supported the government's controversial decision to preemptively suspend classes ahead of last week's severe weather, stating it demonstrates authorities "prioritize lives" despite the inherent unpredictability of rainstorms.
The decision was made by the steering committee on handling extreme weather, led by Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki, which announced a territory-wide school closure a day in advance based on heavy rain forecasts. Chan later defended the move as erring "on the side of safety rather than regret."
The school suspension was announced by the steering committee on handling extreme weather, led by Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki.
Speaking on a radio program Monday, Lam acknowledged the challenges of precise rainfall prediction, stating "humans cannot conquer nature."
The veteran meteorologist explained that while forecasts can identify potential heavy rain events, quantifying precise rainfall levels remains difficult.
He said Hong Kong's rainstorm warning system - refined over 30 years, has strong public familiarity, but suggested reviews could ensure it continues serving safety needs.
Lam praised significant improvements in extreme weather coordination compared to his tenure as assistant director in the 1990s, when he personally visited departments to urge preparedness.
He highlighted the current high-level committee's effectiveness in mobilizing rapid responses to flooding and landslides, calling it "major progress" in disaster preparedness.
(Marco Lam)
