Tough stand required on extreme Hong Kong weather
- City needs to not only punish storm chasers and windsurfers who endanger the lives of others, but also take more safety measures against the wrath of nature
Nature can never be tamed. But that does not mean authorities around the world should sit back and do nothing to mitigate the growing impact of extreme weather, which has become increasingly common in recent years.
The Hong Kong government also is seeking to enhance the city’s preparedness in this regard. From issuing more timely alerts to the public to punishing irresponsible thrill-seeking behaviour during inclement weather, officials are leaving no stone unturned, and rightly so.
As part of the new strategy to deal with extreme weather, the government has warned that storm chasers who ignore safety advice and venture to beaches or country parks during bad weather may be fined up to HK$2,000 (US$255) and jailed for 14 days. Currently, some departments are empowered by law to shut down beaches and country parks during severe weather.
Those who shun safety warnings would become legally liable.
The temptation to experience the full force of nature may have prompted some windsurfers and hikers to take to beaches and country parks under such circumstances. But they essentially jeopardise their own lives as well as those who have to come to their rescue.
In 2017, a veteran firefighter fell off a steep slope and died while saving two hikers who strayed off a trail in Ma On Shan country park during bad weather. The punishment does not seem out of proportion when seen against the reckless behaviour of others and the potential danger it causes.
That said, the government has more to do than just curb storm chasers. Serious flooding and damage to property caused by unusually strong typhoons and heavy rainstorms in recent years have underlined Hong Kong’s inadequacies in coping with extreme weather.
It is welcome news that officials are enhancing work against landslides and flooding. The city has weathered many storms over the years, thanks to its safety rules and sturdy infrastructure.
But the regime needs to be further reinforced as climate change and extreme weather take a heavier toll. From preparation and alerts to quick response and recovery, the authorities will be further tested as extreme weather becomes the new normal.
