Typhoon showed need for Hong

Kong to have thorough contingency

plans
The devastation in Hong Kong and Macau caused by Typhoon Hato
should serve as a wake-up call to both governments and the private
sector about how poorly prepared our cities are to deal with extreme
weather conditions.

While the volume of rain from Hato was not excessive, flooding
occurred in many parts of both cities because the maximum storm
surge occurred at about the same time as the high tide.
Unfortunately, few people heeded the Hong Kong Observatorys
warnings that the water level would be at least one metre above the
normal tide level.

Flooding can not only cost lives and cause property damage, it can
also have other severe consequences, as was demonstrated by
Hato. A loss of electricity, which can occur if overhead power lines
are blown down by strong winds, can have a knock-on effect, such as
the interruption of water supplies and underground train services.
Hospitals, stock markets and other businesses may also be affected.
There can be long-term economic losses and social disruption.

Thanks to global warming, sea levels will continue to rise. According

to an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, it is likely
they could increase by half a metre to one metre by the end of the
century. Imagine if this rise was superimposed on the same storm
surge and high tide that occurred during Hato. Had Hong Kong had a
direct hit from Hato, the storm surge could have been even higher.
Also, had Hato brought more rain, the flooding near shores (and in
other parts of the city) would have been even worse, with possible
landslides as well as flash flooding from rivers.
So how climate resilient are we? As a city, can we have
preventive/adaptation measures to reduce the damage brought about
by these types of extreme weather?

Detailed preventive measures must be designed and implemented to

respond to the potential damage brought about by these extreme
events, such as installing flood barriers. There must be
comprehensive contingency plans so that, for example, interrupted
electricity and water supplies are restored as soon as possible, flood
water is pumped from affected areas and storm drains are cleared.

Adequate climate resilience can only happen through the concerted

efforts of the government and the private sector. Hopefully, Hato can
be a wake-up call for everyone to act.

Johnny Chan, chair professor of atmospheric science, School of

Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong