Lantau District (LTDIST) took part in an inter-departmental drill to respond to a serious flooding incident in Tai O on May 17. The drill was co-ordinated by the Islands District Office (IDO) to enhance the ability of government departments, relevant organisations and local residents to cope with serious flooding and to increase residents' understanding of emergency response arrangements.

Also joining the drill were the Fire Services Department (FSD), the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO), the Drainage Services Department, the Social Welfare Department (SWD), the Housing Department, the Civil Aid Service (CAS), the Tai O Rural Committee, The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council and the Hong Kong Young Women's Christian Association Tai O Community Work Office.

According to the emergency response plan, when the IDO receives an early alert from the HKO of serious flooding in Tai O, it will activate an emergency co-ordination centre at the Tai O Rural Committee Office. The centre is jointly set up by the IDO, the Police, the FSD, the SWD, other relevant government departments and non-governmental organisations to co-ordinate evacuation, rescue and emergency relief efforts.

The drill simulated the stranding of people in a major flooding in Tai O. Police officers immediately brought along life jackets and first aid supplies to the scene. The officers, together with FSD and CAS representatives, evacuated the stranded people and elderly singletons. After the drill, the participating parties conducted a review of the emergency response plan and proposed measures and recommendations to strengthen their ability to deal with serious flooding incidents.

Earlier, LTDIST has acquired rescue materials such as life jackets, cut-resistant gloves, high visibility waterproof trousers, rubber boots and life-saving floats to enhance officers' occupational safety and facilitate rescue operations.