Hong Kong’s cold spell highlights shortcomings in responses
If scientists are right about the impact of climate change, more extreme weather is to be expected and we need to be better prepared
Hong Kong has rich experience in weathering storms, be they severe tropical cyclones or excessive heat waves. Nonetheless, the latest frigid spell – the coldest in nearly 60 years – has put our preparedness for extreme weather to the test. From public reaction to urban design and government responsiveness, there is room for review and improvement.
The inadequacies were reflected in the rescue operation of those stranded at the city’s highest peak over the weekend. Probably influenced by news reports and social media, hordes of people flocked to Tai Mo Shan in search of a rare experience of sub-zero temperatures. Separately, dozens of runners continued with their cross country competition, not knowing the race had already been cancelled. Their actions were no different from those braving typhoons to surf or staying outdoors for fun. But their indulgence and curiosity also put them in danger and add to the burden of government rescuers.
More than 300 firefighters, medical personnel and police officers were deployed. The rescue on a frosty hill was first of its kind for them. While they had, by and large, done a good job, images of officers struggling to keep their balance on icy slopes suggest a need for better training and equipment.
Responses from other departments also leave much to be desired. It has to be asked why shelters for the homeless are only open in the evening when the mercury stays in single digits during the day. The colder-than-forecast temperature on Sunday also raised questions over the Observatory’s predictions. The decision to shut primary schools and kindergarten also sparked calls for the government to consider setting proper guidelines similar to those for typhoons and heavy rain.
Just months ago, people were lamenting that there would be no more winters in Hong Kong. What we have experienced over the weekend is nothing like the Hollywood blockbuster “The Day After Tomorrow”. But it is cold enough a reminder that even this part of the world cannot be insulated from extreme weather. We may have well-established response systems to help us survive the strongest typhoons and heaviest rainstorms, and air conditioning to keep us cool in times of intense heat. But the cold spell has also triggered discussion on issues like the lack of central heating in most households. If scientists are right about the impact of climate change, more extreme weather is to be expected. We need to be better prepared for the challenge.
