Two former officials of the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau have been held accountable respectively for failing to exercise their managerial responsibilities during Typhoon Hato, according to a special investigation commissioned by the Chief Executive.

The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, has decided to enforce aggravated punishments: retrospective dismissal from office of a former director of the Bureau; and a 130-day suspension from current duties, for a former deputy director. The latter had already resigned from that management post and is now a staff member of the Bureau.

Since the former director in question had already retired from public service, the applicable penalty will be substituted by a four-year suspension of pension payments. 

No further disciplinary actions against the two persons would be conducted under relevant regulations and laws. This was because their acts of misconduct associated with the period of Typhoon Hato had already been reviewed in the special investigation.

Mr Chui had authorised in September 2017 a special committee to investigate whether public departments and civil servants had acted appropriately during preparation for Typhoon Hato and in relation to relief work done in its aftermath.

The powerful storm Typhoon Hato battered Macao in August, causing 10 human fatalities as well as resulting in heavy economic losses.