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The Hong Kong Government consists of different departments which contribute to the stability of our development. Through information and technology sharing, public service has been upgraded to the highest standard so as to meet the demand in various fields. Government departments initiate a series of steps in response to the growing demand from the public. This time, I would like to explore how some of the departments provide exceptional service with the application of science and technology.
Hong Kong is Asia's world city. A number of foreigners all over the world come to visit Hong Kong every day for business, sightseeing or visiting their family members. Aircrafts flying to or departing from the Hong Kong International Airport pose a heavy burden to air traffic controllers. From the information stated in the Civil Aviation Department, there are a large number of real time aircraft traffic displays, CCTV pictures, traffic overloading alerts, operational procedures that are used by the air traffic controllers to monitor the air traffic. In the past, nearly all the above information was provided on separate and dedicated displays, which imposed a lot of strains to the controllers in viewing different displays in a short time. However, in recent years, an Integrated Information Display System has been developed to integrate the above information. Thanks to the Civil Aviation Department, they play an important role in maintaining the safety of Hong Kong air traffic.
It is unspoken, but understood that Hong Kong's rugged, mountainous terrain makes Hong Kong as one of the most dangerous airfields over the world. However the Civil Aviation Department is committed to transforming the Hong Kong International Airport into a great airport for all people over the world. We are proud to say that the number of air crashes in Hong Kong is the lowest compared with that of other modern cities.
In addition to the display of the required information, according to the Civil Aviation Department, the Integrated Information Display System has also been equipped with a capability to monitor the radio-telephony communications between the pilots and a particular control position. The system therefore provides a convenient means to monitor and control the air traffic in Hong Kong. It is expected that more information and data will be connected to the system in the near future. From the information shown above, the determination of the Civil Aviation Department to make the Hong Kong International Airport as the safest airport in the world is beyond our praise. We appreciate their effort to make our city a better place.
On the other hand, another government department - Hong Kong Observatory also applies professional knowledge and technology to provide the best service to the public in the most effective manner.
Hong Kong is one of the most populous cities in the world. Any severe weather events can bring a great loss of lives and property. The Hong Kong Observatory is responsible for issuing early warnings in order to remind people to take safety measures before it is too late. There is growing demand on the shorter-range and regional forecasts, as well as a popular call for "pre-warnings" of severe weather. Recently, we have noticed that weather changed abruptly and many trees were blown down by strong winds. It aroused my interest and my concern over the warning system in Hong Kong. In fact, for the purpose of issuing more accurate weather warnings, Hong Kong Observatory has developed an automated system called SWIRLS (Short-range Warning of Intense Rainstorms in Localized Systems) to meet the longstanding challenge. SWIRLS is radar-based, very high resolution, fast updating and tailor-made for the prediction of detailed rainfall distribution over Hong Kong up to 3 hours ahead. To further improve on the forecast range of rainstorms and to cater for severe weather such as lightning and severe squalls, several directions have been identified. For example, optimal blending of nowcast and model forecast through a new forecasting system on trial called RAPIDS (Rainstorm Analysis and Prediction Integrated Data-processing System). The systems mentioned above are particularly useful for operating the Rainstorm Warnings and Landslip Warning.
Let's take a deeper look at the Rainstorm Warnings. The Rainstorm Warning system in Hong Kong consists of three levels: AMBER, RED, BLACK. It is designed to alert the public on the likelihood of major disruptions caused by heavy rain, and to ensure a state of readiness among the emergency response services and government departments in dealing with emergencies arising from rainstorms. The warnings are especially important for those who live in low-lying area. As we know, during heavy rain, countless farmland and houses are easily flooded with water. Therefore an accurate warning system is of utmost importance in protecting our property and our lives. Now the Hong Kong Observatory has used nowcasting tools to operate those warning systems. The 1-hour and 3-hours rainfall products of SWIRLS are tailor-made for the Rainstorm Warnings and Landslip Warning respectively. To offer timely decision support to the forecasters, audio and visual alerts are provided based on SWIRLS' forecast rainfall data. From the information stated above, we should discover that these systems play an important role in helping forecaster decide and issue timely warnings. Thanks to the Hong Kong Observatory, with the use of technology, our lives and property can be well protected.
Apart from quantitative precipitation forecasts, the Hong Kong Observatory has also started research on forecast of high-impact weathers related to severe thunderstorms, including lightning and severe squalls. New radar analysis techniques and severe weather detection and tracking algorithms are now being developed. We can see the use of technology by the government department is closely related to our lives.
Recently, the Hong Kong Observatory incorporates more customers-centric information with the applications of SWIRLS and RAPIDS products to give an optimal utilization of forecast products by users and customers. Furthermore, according to the Hong Kong Observatory, it is now doing a research study on the nowcasting application of global positioning system satellite data supplied by Lands Department.
We all marvel at the Hong Kong Observatory's achievement in providing accurate warnings with the use of technology. No one can underestimate the destructive impact brought by the severe weather. It is hoped that with the use of technology, people can be well informed with the updated weather information to avoid any mishaps and disasters.
From the information stated above, we can see the important role government departments play in improving the quality of our lives. With the rapid development in technology, I am sure that the public service in Hong Kong will be maintained to the highest level.
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