The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said planned emergency measures were being put in place in phases, as had resources, in order to minimise any negative effect on the community that might be caused by Typhoon Mangkhut.
The Government’s priority is to protect the safety of the public and to maintain social order, including the stable supply of public utilities, other public services, and commercial items necessary to the public in their daily lives.
Mr Chui’s arrival at the Civil Protection Operations Centre at 9.30pm on Saturday (15 September) followed the day’s 9pm evacuation alert for low-lying areas, and a “Red” storm surge warning.
The Chief Executive was at the Centre to review the emergency measures in place and if necessary order their adjustment in order to tackle issues connected to the powerful storm, which expected to bring adverse weather to the Pearl River Delta region.
Mr Chui also observed the operation of the Centre’s real-time digital platform for civil defence management. He did so in order to gain a better understanding of the situation at street level during the typhoon period; in particular, the effects of the order to evacuate people living in areas that might have serious threat from flooding. The pre-planned evacuation is the first exercise of its kind in Macao.
While at the Civil Protection Operations Centre, Mr Chui issued a message urging members of the public to stay put in a safe place and avoid low-lying areas and shorelines. It was important for the public to pay close attention to news issued by the Government, in order to avoid the community resorting to rumour, he added.
The Chief Executive asked members of the public to show solidarity with the Government in riding out any challenges brought by the super typhoon.
Mr Chui spoke highly of the dedicated sprit of the personnel taking part in the civil protection system. The services they would provide during the typhoon period were necessary for the protection of public safety and people’s homes
In addition, Mr Chui also expressed his gratitude to the city’s six gaming concessionaires and sub-concessionaires for agreeing to the difficult decision to suspend casino operations, in order to protect the safety of casino company employees, visitors and members of the general public.