Hong Kong is set to enhance its joint-rescue efforts with Guangdong and Macau authorities ahead of the upcoming tropical cyclone season in June.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung told lawmakers that an agreement will be signed by the end of next month.

Tang spoke at the Legislation Council's panel on security meeting, where he talked about the development of a Greater Bay Area emergency response operational plan that will be signed by all three regions.

"The government has prepared a list of shareable resources covering rescue equipment, vehicles, vessels, and fire and ambulance personnel," he said. Tang added that the fire and rescue services units of Guangdong and Macau are currently reviewing the list to determine the resources they can contribute.

Also, Hong Kong will be able to seek support from neighboring cities in the Greater Bay Area when faced with resource constraints.

Tang talked about the strong emergency response capability of Guangdong province, particularly in terms of heavy-duty equipment.

The Security Bureau submitted a document to Legco, outlining the establishment of a joint emergency command mechanism that will be led by the place where the incident occurs. This mechanism aims to coordinate responses to major disasters and incidents that impact the safety of the GBA.

The Hong Kong government is also planning to establish a cross-boundary "green" channel to facilitate the movement of emergency personnel, equipment and supplies.

Authorities have received recognition and support from Beijing in this regard, Tang said. As part of the preparedness efforts, the three regions will conduct an earthquake drill in the first half of the year.

Election Committee lawmaker Chan Pui-leung raised concerns about the legal responsibility of ambulance personnel during cross-border rescue operations, given the variations in legislation between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau. Tang said personnel dispatched from any of the three regions must abide by the laws of the place where the incident occurs. He emphasized that if an individual commits an unlawful act, such as theft, they cannot be exempted from criminal liability.

Regarding the notification of water discharge, which became an issue during the record-breaking downpour in Hong Kong last September, Tang said that arrangements for notification are not included in the operational plan. However, he acknowledged that Shenzhen authorities had agreed to provide advance notification in the future.

"Mainland authorities, including the Meteorological Bureau, will notify Hong Kong based on the severity of the situation," he said.

eunice.lam@singtaonewscorp.com

Chris Tang

Joint-rescue operations to be enhanced