Aftermath of Super Typhoon Saola, record rainfall forces 2,300 Hongkongers to apply for emergency relief funds

Hongkongers apply for emergency handout after city devastated by Super Typhoon Saola and record-breaking rainstorm, just one week after another

Government defends slow progress in developing flood containment infrastructure in districts hit hard by extreme weather

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Store employees clear up last week after record rainfall caused flooding in parts of Hong Kong. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Published: 9:57pm, 16 Sep 2023

More than 2,300 Hongkongers have applied to local authorities for emergency relief funds after the city was struck by Super Typhoon Saola and a record-breaking rainstorm in the space of several weeks.

The figure was revealed as the Hong Kong government on Saturday defended its slow progress in developing flood containment infrastructure in certain districts hit hard by flooding, vowing such works would move higher up its list of priorities.

Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen told a radio programme that authorities had received more than 2,300 applications for an emergency relief fund and promised to speed up the processing time.

She pledged the government would improve its response measures to such natural disasters. Mak also noted two families whose homes were damaged had been resettled in transitional housing.

Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak pledges authorities will improve its response measures for natural disasters. Photo: Edmond So

“An effective communication mechanism has played an important role this time … we will keep improving the system and ensure residents can receive accurate and timely information, instead of having to wait for press releases,” she said.