【社評雙語道】完善應急機制 應對極端天氣頻發

【原文】摘錄自9月22日香港《文匯報》：熱帶氣旋「樺加沙」來勢洶洶，為本港帶來狂風暴雨。過去數年，香港多次受到極端天氣影響，特區政府不斷總結經驗，聯合社區組織更完善應急支援力量。是次再有超強颱風來襲，為本港救援防災機制帶來一場「大考」。

隨着氣候暖化，極端天氣漸見增多，加上粵港澳大灣區人員貨物流動頻繁，特區政府除了動員自身資源應對，也要考慮與廣東省和澳門相關部門恒常溝通，有需要時互相支援，共享救援力量，為民眾編織更強大的危機應對安全網。

隨着「樺加沙」逼近香港，星期二（9月23日）稍後天氣會開始急速轉壞，到周三（9月24日）風力達到烈風至暴風程度，伴有大驟雨及顯著風暴潮，沿岸水位可能與2017年的「天鴿」及2018年的「山竹」相若。

風暴離港尚有一段距離，政務司司長陳國基21日已主持應對極端天氣督導委員會會議，統籌各部門進行應對。特區政府也透過媒體，呼籲市民立即採取防風、防水浸措施。渠務署會增加約20隊緊急應變隊伍至200隊，亦提早派強力排水機械人，到多個水浸風險較高地點戒備，又派發較一般情況多逾一倍的沙包應對水浸。

2023年9月的「世紀暴雨」令本港多區發生水浸及山泥傾瀉。特區政府在事後總結經驗，在當年的施政報告提出，在預警、準備、應急和復原四個方面，持續強化整體應對極端天氣的能力。

特區政府成立由政務司司長主持的督導委員會，為應對極端情況進行「超前部署」，加強預警、應對突發災害、疏導受影響的交通和人流，加上完善地區治理體系後各區成立關愛隊，結合政府及社區力量，香港數年來已有多次應對極端天氣的經驗，黃大仙、柴灣等水浸黑點的水浸情況已得到大大紓緩，渠務署購置的「龍吸水」機械人大派用場，及時應對一些地下停車場的水浸情況，把風雨造成的破壞和影響減至最低，保障了市民生命及財產安全。

今年以來，本港已五度發出黑色暴雨警告信號，打破天文台設立黑色暴雨警告以來一年內發出最多「黑雨」的紀錄。不過，月前「黑雨」期間，仍有部分市民冒着暴雨上班，引起社會關注僱員在極端天氣期間的安全和福祉。僱員肩負家計，上班途中遇上意外，對機構及家庭都可能造成難以彌補的損失，企業正常營運與僱員保障須作出平衡。

特區政府宜對這方面作出更清晰指引，或者作出必要立法，讓僱主可以在極端天氣下為僱員作出合理工作安排，令一眾打工仔的權益得到更好保護。

香港位處多風多雨的華南地帶，正如國家《粵港澳大灣區氣象發展規劃（2020-2035年）》所形容，大灣區是「典型的氣候脆弱區」，極端天氣來襲，粵港澳三地許多時候都會同時受影響，恒常進行信息溝通、通報情況並適度共享救援資源，能對三地民眾安全構成更佳保障。

粵港澳近年共同就聯合應急管理進行積極磋商，2023年就《粵港澳大灣區應急救援行動方案》和《合作框架協議》達成共識，並進行了「聯城」演習，測試三地應急動員協調機制實施成效，範圍包括樓宇坍塌、大規模山泥傾瀉、嚴重水浸、危化品洩漏等，為建立大灣區救援網絡奠定基礎。大灣區融合發展的趨勢下，三地人員貨流來往日趨頻密，三地聯合應急機制更應受到重視。正值風雨臨近，特區政府應與粵澳方面及早作出聯繫，進行必要的預備，包括跨境交通疏導、排洪、提防天文大潮影響等，聯合力量為大眾建構更好的安全網。

Strengthening Preparedness to Weather the Storm

【譯文】Tropical cyclone Ragasa approached with formidable force, bringing gales and torrential rain to Hong Kong. In recent years, Hong Kong has repeatedly been battered by extreme weather. The Government has been actively learning from past experiences, collaborating with community organisations to enhance emergency response capabilities. The arrival of this super typhoon poses a stern test for Hong Kong's disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.

With climate change fuelling an increase in extreme weather, and the Greater Bay Area (GBA) seeing ever more frequent movement of people and goods, the Government must not only mobilise its own resources but also maintain regular communication with relevant authorities in Guangdong and Macao. When necessary, mutual support and shared rescue resources should be deployed to weave a stronger safety net for the public.

According to the Observatory, as Ragasa approaches Hong Kong, weather conditions deteriorated rapidly from Tuesday afternoon, with wind speeds reaching gale to storm force by Wednesday, accompanied by heavy downpours and significant storm surges. Coastal water levels may rival those seen during Typhoon Hato in 2017 and Mangkhut in 2018. Although the storm is still some distance away, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki has already convened a meeting of the Steering Committee on Handling Extreme Weather to coordinate departmental responses.

The Government has also issued public appeals through the media, urging residents to take immediate precautions against wind damage and flooding. The Drainage Services Department will increase its emergency response teams from around 180 to 200, and has deployed high-powered drainage robots to flood-prone areas in advance. More than double the usual number of sandbags have been distributed to mitigate flooding risks.

The "once-in-a-century" rainstorm in September 2023 caused widespread flooding and landslides across the territory. In its aftermath, the Government reviewed its response and pledged in the Policy Address to strengthen capabilities across four key areas: early warning, preparedness, emergency response, and recovery.

A Steering Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary was established to oversee "advance preparations" for extreme scenarios. This includes enhancing early warnings, managing sudden disasters, and directing affected traffic and pedestrian flows. With the establishment of Care Teams in each district under an improved governance framework, the combined efforts of government and community have yielded valuable experience in handling extreme weather. Flooding in blackspots such as Wong Tai Sin and Chai Wan has been significantly alleviated, and the Drainage Services Department's "Dragon Drain" robots have proven effective in tackling underground car park flooding, minimising damage and safeguarding lives and property.

This year alone, the Observatory has issued five Black Rainstorm Warning Signals—more than ever before in a single year since the warning system was introduced. However, during one such episode, some residents still braved the downpour to go to work, sparking public concern over employee safety and welfare during extreme weather. Employees, often the breadwinners of their families, risk accidents en route to work, which could result in irreparable losses for both organisations and households. A balance must be struck between business operations and employee protection.

The Government should consider issuing clearer guidelines—or even enacting legislation—to enable employers to make reasonable work arrangements during extreme weather, thereby ensuring better protection for workers' rights.

Hong Kong is situated in the storm-prone region of South China. As described in the Meteorological Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (2020-2035), GBA lies in a "typically climate-vulnerable zone". Extreme weather often impacts Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao simultaneously, making regular information-sharing, situation updates, and appropriate resource pooling essential for enhancing public safety across the three regions.

In recent years, Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao have actively discussed joint emergency management. In 2023, consensus was reached on the Greater Bay Area Emergency Response and Rescue Operational Plan and Greater Bay Area Emergency Response Cooperation Framework Agreement was signed. A joint emergency response and rescue exercise "Liancheng—2025" tested the coordination of emergency mobilisation mechanisms, covering scenarios such as building collapses, large-scale landslides, severe flooding, and hazardous chemical spills, laying the foundation for a GBA rescue network.

As integration within the Greater Bay Area deepens and cross-border movement of people and goods becomes more frequent, the importance of a joint emergency response mechanism cannot be overstated. With the storm approaching, the HKSAR Government should promptly liaise with its Guangdong and Macao counterparts to make necessary preparations, including managing cross-border transport, flood drainage, and measures to mitigate the impact of astronomical tides. Through united efforts, a stronger safety net can be built for all.

●Tiffany