Lack of preparedness continues to hamper response to typhoons
- Detailed weather forecasting is an inexact science, and typhoon predictions more so. The timeliness of Observatory warnings and the preparedness of authorities and the community are therefore critical to public safety outcomes
The death of a construction worker caught in the wrong place at the wrong time has focused attention on the city’s response to the chaotic rain and wind conditions generated by Tropical Storm Lionrock. She died after the collapse of 30 floors of bamboo scaffolding at a Happy Valley high-rise complex in which another worker and two drivers narrowly escaped, raising questions about whether seven workers in all should have been allowed on the site at the time.
In the space of 24 hours, the city experienced typhoon signal No 3, followed by amber, red and black rainstorm warnings and then, contrary to indications until the early hours of yesterday, typhoon signal No 8 before 7am.
It would not be a typhoon season without debate about warnings and preparedness for the actual conditions when a storm hits or comes close.
Detailed weather forecasting is an inexact science, and typhoon predictions more so. Timeliness of warnings from the Observatory and the preparedness of authorities and the community are therefore critical to public safety outcomes. Both are open to debate in this case.
Despite the lessons of past typhoon emergencies, the issue remains a lack of preparedness, prompting a flood of complaints, including from parents who felt let down by the response to the black rainstorm warning at 11.45am on Friday.