The Secretary for Security, Mr Wong Sio Chak, today stressed that the Government had stepped up its preparation efforts in response to the anticipated arrival of two typhoons identified respectively by the names Barijat and Mangkhut.

The Government convened a meeting – following guidance from the Chief Executive – at the Civil Protection Operations Centre to discuss arrangements for the typhoons currently forecast to affect Macao.

The Government would use its utmost effort in responding in particular to Typhoon Mangkhut, which has been classified as a “super typhoon”. Mr Wong urged the 29-member civil protection management team and other public departments to pay particular attention to preparations regarding this powerful storm and the possible consequence of any impact it might have on Macao.

During the meeting, officials from the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau gave more details of the forecast path and movement of Typhoon Mangkhut, in view of the community’s particular concern about this strong storm.

Other officials serving the civil protection system gave respective reports on measures taken – relative to their field of responsibility – in order to mitigate the possible effects of the two typhoons; including the potential of flooding stemming from the storms.

Secretary Wong stressed public departments had to ensure typhoon-related information was delivered via the various designated communication channels in a timely manner to members of the public. It was also necessary for public departments to address issues of public concern and make clarifications immediately where necessary, to avoid the community resorting to rumour.

During a typhoon period, public departments had to ensure proper operation of all equipment in relation to the supply of water, electricity and telecommunications services, Mr Wong stated.

The Government would work closely with community associations regarding preparations in case evacuation of people living in the low-lying areas was needed.

In addition, a representative of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Macao Garrison sat in on today’s civil protection meeting. The purpose of the attendance was to let the military have the latest information on Macao’s preparation for the storms, said Mr Wong.

He added that should the situation require it, the Government could ask – as was legally mandated – the Central Government for assistance from the PLA Macao Garrison for the maintenance of social order and relief work in time of natural disaster.