International Conference on Flood Management Highlights Climate Resilience Strategies for Urban Flood Control

International Conference on Integrated Flood Management Strategy promotes co-operation in flood control

​The International Conference on Integrated Flood Management Strategy, organised by the Drainage Services Department (DSD) and the Civil Division of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE), was held today (December 3) to foster co-operation and experience sharing in flood control, as well as to promote the development of global comprehensive flood control management strategies.

With the theme "Building an adaptive and resilient city to safeguard the public against flooding under extreme weather", the conference brought together over 400 leaders of flood control agencies, policymakers, hydraulic experts and academia representatives from Hungary, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Japan, the Mainland, Macao and Hong Kong to discuss flood management strategies and adaptation plans in the face of climate change challenges, with a view to building a smart and flood resilient city.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said that Hong Kong has been adopting a three-pronged approach focusing on storm water interception, flood storage and drainage improvement to tackle flooding over the years. In light of the escalating flood risks brought about by climate change, the Government must take decisive actions and strive to upgrade drainage facilities to enhance adaptability of the city, as well as implement contingency and management measures to strengthen capabilities in early warning, emergency preparedness, response and recovery to enhance overall flood control capabilities.

The Director of Drainage Services, Mr Ringo Mok, said that being resilient means more than investing in drainage infrastructure and flood defences. It also requires the engagement of local communities, private sectors, and the public at large. By fostering a culture of resilience through early warning systems and education, communities will be empowered to become capable of preparing for, responding to and recovering from flooding events. This holistic approach is essential for building a sustainable future.

The President of the HKIE, Mr Eric Ma, noted that Hong Kong also experienced typhoons, extreme rainstorms and storm surge damages last year, demonstrating the urgent need to strengthen flood prevention technologies and formulate effective strategies. Integrated flood management encompasses innovative engineering solutions, robust policy frameworks and active community engagement to develop comprehensive strategies to address current and future challenges.

At the conference, the DSD and the Pearl River Water Resources Commission of the Ministry of Water Resources signed a co-operation agreement to strengthen exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and the Mainland in areas including coping with climate change as well as innovation and technology. The Director of the Pearl River Water Resources Commission of the Ministry of Water Resources, Mr Wu Xiaolong, said in his keynote speech that in recent years, the Commission has actively implemented General Secretary Xi Jinping's water regulating approach of "Prioritising water conservation, Balancing spatial distribution, Taking systematic approaches, Promoting government-market synergy" and thoroughly implemented the concept of "Two Adherences and Three Shifts" in disaster prevention, mitigation and relief, vigorously promoted the flood and drought disaster prevention system in the Pearl River catchment to enhance flood and drought disaster prevention capabilities, and implemented scientific and precise dispatch and command, to ensure flood control safety in the Pearl River catchment and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

In addition to keynote speeches and symposiums, there were booth exhibitions at the conference venue to introduce the latest flood prevention management strategies and technological development directions.

International Conference on Integrated Flood Management Strategy promotes co-operation in flood control Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

International Conference on Integrated Flood Management Strategy promotes co-operation in flood control Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

International Conference on Integrated Flood Management Strategy promotes co-operation in flood control Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

International Conference on Integrated Flood Management Strategy promotes co-operation in flood control Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

International Conference on Integrated Flood Management Strategy promotes co-operation in flood control Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

International Conference on Integrated Flood Management Strategy promotes co-operation in flood control Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

International Conference on Integrated Flood Management Strategy promotes co-operation in flood control Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

International Conference on Integrated Flood Management Strategy promotes co-operation in flood control Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Government reminds Hong Kong residents to attend to personal safety when travelling to Korea

In view of the emergency martial law declared in Korea, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today (December 4) reminds Hong Kong residents who are already there or intend to visit Korea to attend to personal safety. The Immigration Department (ImmD) has contacted the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OCMFA), the Chinese Embassy in the Republic of Korea (Embassy), the Travel Industry Authority (TIA) and the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong (TIC) to understand the situation. The ImmD has not received any request for assistance from Hong Kong residents so far.

A Government spokesman said, "Residents who intend to visit Korea or are already there should monitor the situation, exercise caution, attend to personal safety, avoid large gatherings of people and pay attention to local announcements on the latest situation."

The Security Bureau (SB), in view of the emergency martial law declared, has already updated the Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) webpage for Korea and will continue to closely monitor the situation there. Any update will be issued through the media, the SB mobile app and the OTA webpage (www.sb.gov.hk/eng/ota).

The ImmD will continue to maintain close contact with the OCMFA, the Embassy, the TIA and the TIC to monitor the development.

Hong Kong residents in Korea who need assistance may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the ImmD at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the ImmD mobile application, send a message to 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline or 1868 WeChat assistance hotline, submit the Online Assistance Request Form, contact the Chinese Embassy in the Republic of Korea at consular protection hotline: (82) 27550572, contact the Chinese Consulate-General in Busan at consular protection hotline: (82) 1085198748, contact the Chinese Consulate-General in Gwangju at consular protection hotline: (82) 623618880 or contact the Chinese Consulate-General in Jeju at consular protection hotline: (82) 647228802.

Hong Kong residents are encouraged to use the online Registration of Outbound Travel Information service (www.gov.hk/roti) of the ImmD to register their contact details and itinerary when outside Hong Kong. The information provided allows the ImmD to disseminate practical information to them through appropriate means, including SMS on mobile phones, on a timely basis when necessary.