The Drainage Services Department (DSD) has acquired four additional "Mobile Powerful Pumping Robots" to bolster flood preparedness as Super Typhoon Ragasa approaches Hong Kong.
The announcement was made by DSD Director Ringo Mok Wing-cheung during a joint press conference with the Civil Engineering and Development Department on Monday (September 22).
Mok warned that the storm is expected to raise coastal water levels by approximately 2 meters on Wednesday morning (September 24), with the highest levels potentially reaching 3.5 to 4 meters above chart datum.
Tolo Harbour could see even more severe inundation, with water levels rising between 4 to 5 meters above datum, comparable to the storm surges experienced during Typhoons Hato (2017) and Mangkhut (2018).
In response to these projections, the DSD has expanded its emergency response teams from 180 to 200 and significantly increased its sandbag inventory from 10,000 to 40,000.
The department has also completed inspections and clearance work at approximately 240 locations prone to flooding due to blockages.
Cross-border coordination intensifies
Mok emphasized the importance of maintaining communication with Shenzhen authorities, noting that water levels at Shenzhen Reservoir remain stable with no plans for discharge
A dedicated WeChat group has been established to ensure immediate notification if discharge becomes necessary, he said.
Comprehensive flood prevention measures
Esther Yuen Ka-wai, Chief Engineer of the DSD, reported that flood mitigation strategies have been implemented at 25 coastal low-lying or windy locations, with 11 areas identified as particularly vulnerable.
These include Tai O, Lei Yue Mun, Sam Mun Tsai San Tsuen, Tai Po Tak Kok Road, Kwong Fuk Road, Ka Wo Lei Tsuen, To Tau Wan Village, Sai Kung Nam Wai, Yuen Long, Tung Chung Bay, and Kat O Fisherman Village, where temporary flood barriers and additional sandbags have been installed.
Assistant Director Edwin Lau Shing-cheong added that protective measures have been implemented at Queen Mary Hospital following flooding during last month's heavy rainfall.
Community outreach and shelter preparation
Deputy Director of the Home Affairs Department Belinda Wong Yuen-yung confirmed that district offices have activated emergency response plans and are collaborating with various departments.
District Council members and community care teams are informing residents in flood-prone areas about weather developments and evacuation procedures.
Temporary shelters will open at 8am on Wednesday, with some potentially opening earlier if needed. A 24-hour emergency hotline has been activated for public inquiries regarding tropical cyclone preparations.
