Hato report proposes public emergency management revamp

The government published yesterday the final report assessing the overall impact of Typhoon Hato, which presents suggestions to improve the mechanism for managing emergencies. Among the suggestions are revamping the mechanism and the legal system for managing a public emergency, establishing comprehensive planning ahead of any adverse event and enhancing the coordination mechanism between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau in emergency situations.

The report reviews the overall impact of the powerful storm that battered Macau in August, causing 10 human fatalities and resulting in heavy economic losses.

The Commission for Reviewing and Monitoring the Improvements of the Response Mechanism to Major Disasters invited the Institute for Public Safety Research at Tsinghua University, the North China University of Technology, and the Ministry of Civil Affairs’ National Disaster Reduction Centre of China to write the report.

The review is divided into four chapters.  According to the statement, the first chapter offers a comprehensive analysis of the overall effects of Typhoon Hato and provides a summary of the findings.

The second chapter outlines the latest information and practical insights regarding management of public emergencies. It covers prevention and mitigation measures, and relief efforts in the aftermath of disruptive events.

The third chapter includes suggestions on how to improve Macau’s mechanism for the management of public emergencies. The fourth chapter provides suggestions on a number of important initiatives required in the medium- and long-term, such as the establishment of a command system for the management of public emergencies, the construction of emergency shelters and resettlement sites and the creation of “a center for public safety promotion and education in relation to popular science topics.” The report also proposes the construction of waterfront flood control and drainage facilities for the Inner Harbor.

Findings of the final report were developed from a preliminary version published in September.

According to the statement issued yesterday, authorities are stepping up efforts to advance Macau’s overall capabilities for disaster prevention, namely by amending the Civil Protection Law; the formulation of a 10-year plan for disaster prevention and mitigation (2019-2028); and the establishment of a new command system for the management of public emergencies.