The Hong Kong Observatory early on Monday morning issued a thunderstorm warning, followed by a red rainstorm warning at 8.05am. This was way too late as most children were already on the way to school. It was very distressing to see children walking with umbrellas and yet soaked to the skin. This is extremely worrisome, given that they could catch colds amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic (“ Who will be Hong Kong’s worst hit in Covid-19 fourth wave? Students, poor, elderly most at risk ”, October 5). Surely, between the observatory and the Education Bureau, they can come up with a better early warning system to keep the children safe and dry. This should be their priority even if it means children having to miss one morning of school. In the event of expected heavy rains, the bureau should declare that students can monitor the situation and go to school late. I hope both government departments will respond to this request. Shabbir Barma, Kowloon City
