Typhoon warning signals may be revised

SMG’s director Fong Soi Kun (center) pictured last week during a meeting where he said that the weather was not rough enough to justify a T8 signal. Later he apologized for the bureau’s communication management

After being flooded with criticism from local residents, a representative from the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) said that the bureau would revise its regulations on typhoon warning signals.
In a TDM Forum Sunday, a number of citizens gathered to robustly condemn the bureau’s decision to not hoist typhoon no. 8 last week.
One citizen harshly argued that the bureau’s decision should not be made from digital devices.
“Whatever scientific figures [backing your decision] would be invalid if one has lost his life. […] I believe as an observatory, the bureau’s future policymaking shouldn’t only be scientifically backed, as we need officials instead of just computers to making decisions,” said the resident.
Tang Iu Man, who supervises the bureau’s meteorological division, defended SMG by informing the public that authorities are open to amending the regulations on the criteria of warning signals, to reflect public opinions.
However lawmaker Melinda Chan criticized Tang’s remarks, explaining that authorities should retain “professional judgment” instead of amateur opinions.
“Meteorological forecasts require scientific judgment and professional knowledge. Not every citizen is meteorologically knowledgeable. The government should use scientific figures and professional judgement in hoisting typhoon signals,” Chan noted.
Chan added that the regulations SMG is reliant on when issuing typhoons were created back in 2000.
Tang explained that the bureau would start to work on the adjustment of its regulations by obtaining opinions from other civil protection services and broader society later this year.
In SMG’s press conference last week, director of the bureau Fong Soi Kun announced that the decision to not hoist T8 typhoon signal was based on “scientific data, knowledge and experience.” However despite his statements, the public further slammed the bureau for failing to recognize the public’s safety concerns. LV