The government intend to deter locals from chasing extreme weather by imposing fines and imprisonment, said Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki on Thursday. To enhance strategies and measures to cope with extreme weather, a joint press conference was held by the government to prepare for the upcoming typhoon season by strengthening forecast warnings and undertaking emergency and recovery measures. For citizens who refuse to listen to warnings, Chan said the government will take strict enforcement actions and charged them to reach a deterrent effect. Under Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk Hau-yip said rescue workers were deployed 35 times to mountain and water search and rescue over the course of three years under extreme weather. He added that the government would shut down beaches and the country parks during extreme weather, and those breaking the ban will be fined HK$2,000 and jailed for 14 days.

Source: The Standard May 17, 2024 02:29 UTC