Joint Exercise Enhances Emergency Response at Lo Wu Control Point Amid Power Supply Incident

Joint exercise at Lo Wu Control Point held to cope with power supply and system network incidents

The Immigration Department (ImmD) held a joint exercise at the Lo Wu Control Point (LWCP) today (October 9) with the Hong Kong Police Force (Police), the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department (Customs), the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), the Transport Department (TD), the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) and CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP), which was supported and assisted by relevant Mainland authorities. The exercise simulated scenarios of power supply and system network incidents at the LWCP Hong Kong Port, in which contingency measures were taken by relevant parties immediately to ensure the operation of the control point in a safe and orderly manner.

Over 150 staff members were mobilised in the exercise to simulate scenarios of a large number of passengers performing immigration and customs clearance at LWCP during the power supply and system network incidents. In response to the incidents, the ImmD, the Police, Customs and the MTRCL set up a joint command centre at the LWCP to make necessary arrangements and co-ordinate the work of relevant parties. In addition, officers from various departments on the Hong Kong side and the Mainland counterparts launched the co-ordination mechanism and maintained prompt and close communication.

After the occurrence of the simulated power supply incident, the EMSD immediately deployed staff to make an assessment at the scene and provided assistance while CLP arranged for a mobile generator vehicle to arrive at the scene for providing an emergency back-up power supply. In the light of the incident, the TD and the MTRCL reviewed and adjusted the train service to and from the LWCP. The Police maintained public safety and order, implemented crowd management and evacuation measures, and assisted departing passengers in need to leave the LWCP or use other control points.

Through the exercise, government departments and relevant parties could test their response capabilities under different scenarios, with the aim of enhancing co-operation and communication between various parties during large-scale incidents. Relevant government departments will continue to maintain close ties with various stakeholders, periodically review contingency mechanisms for major incidents, enhance co-ordination with different parties as well as improve overall response capabilities to ensure safety and order at control points in case of emergencies.

To avoid congestion and a longer than usual waiting time for immigration clearance during emergencies, residents and passengers can check the estimated waiting time at each land boundary control point via the Immigration Mobile Application (ImmD Mobile App), such that their travel plans via unaffected control points can be made. The ImmD Mobile App can be downloaded free of charge from the Apple App Store (supports iOS version 11.0 or above), Google Play (supports Android version 8.0 or above), Huawei AppGallery (supports Android version 8.0 or above) or with the APK file from the ImmD website. Passengers can scan a QR code (see Annex) or visit the ImmD website (www.immd.gov.hk) to download the app.

Joint exercise at Lo Wu Control Point held to cope with power supply and system network incidents Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Joint exercise at Lo Wu Control Point held to cope with power supply and system network incidents Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Joint exercise at Lo Wu Control Point held to cope with power supply and system network incidents Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Joint exercise at Lo Wu Control Point held to cope with power supply and system network incidents Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Joint exercise at Lo Wu Control Point held to cope with power supply and system network incidents Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Joint exercise at Lo Wu Control Point held to cope with power supply and system network incidents Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Joint exercise at Lo Wu Control Point held to cope with power supply and system network incidents Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Joint exercise at Lo Wu Control Point held to cope with power supply and system network incidents Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Sick person in custody dies in public hospital

​A sick 52-year-old male person in custody at Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre died in a public hospital today (October 9).

The person in custody suffered from lung cancer. He required continuous medical care and follow-up treatment at the institution hospital and a public hospital. On October 5, he was sent to a public hospital for treatment due to physical discomfort. During hospitalisation, his condition deteriorated and he was certified dead at 6.21pm today.

The case has been reported to the Police. A death inquest will be held by the Coroner's Court.

The person in custody was sentenced to imprisonment for the offence of theft in September 2024.