Observatory Organizes Weather Course for District Councillors

About 40 district councillors and their assistants attended a weather course organized by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) and the Home Affairs Department today (22 January 2007). The objective of the course is to enhance public awareness on disaster prevention through district leaders. The contents of the course include weather warnings and disaster prevention, extraction of information from the Observatory website, and tour of the Hong Kong Meteorological Centre at HKO.

"Even though Hong Kong society is stable and affluent, the hazards being brought by natural disasters are often neglected. Thunderstorms, lightning and rainstorms are indeed dangerous, but cold and very hot weather also take a heavy toll every year. Meaningless deaths caused by engaging in water sports during typhoon are not new. As such, the ultimate goal for this training course is to enhance public awareness on disaster prevention." Mr Lam Chiu-ying, Director of the HKO mentioned before the course.

Mr Chan Man-yu, Chairman of Yau Tsim Mong District Council was glad to see the government organizing the activity. "The course is very practical. As district councillors have close relationships with the public, we are happy to share with our neighbours what we have learned today. Hopefully they will get prepared the hazards next time the inclement weather hits, thus reducing loss of lives and properties." Mr Chan said.

District councillors visiting the Observatory's 'Hong Kong Meteorological Centre'

District councillors having an exchange session with Mr Chiu-ying Lam, Director of the Hong Kong Observatory