The Secretary for Security, Mr Wong Sio Chak, on Tuesday (18 August) ordered the staff of the civil protection system to issue typhoon-related information to the public in a timely manner, in order to ensure that people in low-lying areas could be evacuated to safety if necessary.

During a meeting at the Civil Protection Operations Centre, Mr Wong reviewed Macao’s preparedness for the approach of Typhoon Higos. The Centre had entered full operational mode with effect from 8.30pm on Tuesday, in order to coordinate the city’s response to the expected storm conditions.

The Secretary said he had full confidence in the civil protection system in terms of managing tasks likely to arise because of the anticipated advent of the typhoon. His confidence was based on simulation exercises the city had held previously, regarding typhoon situations, and public workers’ experience in dealing with strong typhoons that had previously affected Macao.

The Civil Protection Operations Centre would remain highly vigilant regarding any challenges presented by the advent of Typhoon Higos, Mr Wong emphasised.