Typhoon Hato, the strongest tropical storm recorded in 53 years, landed a direct hit on Macao on 23^rd August. Under the direction of Macao SAR Chief Executive Chui Sai On, the government organized a series of post-storm follow-up work.

MOP1.35 billion aid programme

As the storm hit, flooding, water and power outages occurred in low-lying areas of Macao, seriously disrupting the lives of residents, as small and medium-sized enterprises and merchants. Following the Chief Executive's instructions, Macao Foundation announced a MOP1.35 billion aid programme, which included: MOP300,000 as condolence for family members of every victim; up to MOP30,000 in medical grants for every casualty; up to MOP30,000 aid for every resident suffering damage to doors and windows or seawater intrusion; and MOP2,000 subsidy for every resident suffering water and power outage.

In order to hasten the recovery of enterprises and merchants, the MSAR Government has set up the 'Special Support Plan for SMEs affected by Typhoon Hato', which provides up to MOP600,000 interest-free loan, and 'Special Subsidy for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises affected by Typhoon Hato', with financial aid of up to MOP50,000.

All departments fulfil duties

All MSAR Government departments tried their best to fulfil their duties and disaster relief while facing the catastrophic impact wrought by Hato. In order to relieve the problem of residents' lack of water usage, the Customs Service set up water distribution sites for residents; Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) proactively appraised the situation of the hotel industry in order to reduce the impact upon visitors, also requesting travel agencies to suspend acceptance of package tours in order to free up resources for post-storm follow-up work.

Meanwhile, the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) inspected every architectural heritage item; the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) mobilised community groups to organize the public to clear up their communities; the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) opened two typhoon shelters, and co-ordinated resources to support daily food and living necessities of the disadvantaged; all police forces conducted around-the-clock disaster relief; while the Health Bureau (SSM) conducted pest control and sterilization in all communities.

The Housing Bureau (IH) provided emergency repairs for public housing residents; the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) urged all contractors to conduct prevention and follow-up work for construction site safety; the Consumer Council inspected shops, and set up a hotline to track down unlawful merchants; Macao Foundation delivered drinking water to residents; Economic Services (DSE) ensured the supply of food and foodstuffs in Macao; and the Sports Bureau provided shower facilities for residents to use.

PLA Macao Garrison participates in follow-up work

In order to maintain social order, and reduce hazards from the impact of Typhoon Hato, Chief Executive Chui Sai On requested the central government to approve the PLA Macao Garrison's participation in post-storm follow-up work based upon Macao's Basic Law and Macao SAR Garrison Law. The request was immediately approved by the central government.

From 25^th August, one thousand soldiers from the PLA Macao Garrison participated in post-storm follow-up and related rebuilding work for three days. The troops completed the clear-up work in various parts of Macao Peninsula, including Rua de Cinco de Outubro, Rua do Almirante Sérgio, Avenida de Horta e Costa, San Kio, Avenida de Kwong Tung in Taipa, Hou Kong Middle School, Rua da Ribeira do Patane to Avenida do Almirante Lacerda, Estrada Marginal da Areia Preta to Rua Nova da Areia Preta, Ilha Verde, Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen to New Yaohan, and so forth, some eleven areas.

In all, one million and seventy thousand square metres were cleared (including one hundred and twenty thousand and five hundred metres of streets), 680 trees sawn and removed plus 700 trucks of rubbish transported. The soldiers returned to their barracks at 8:00am on 28^th August once their mission was completed.

Review disaster response mechanism

For better reviewing and establishing a disaster response mechanism, CE Chui Sai On ordered the setting up of the Commission for Reviewing and Monitoring the Improvements of the Response Mechanism to Major Disasters. The Commission is chaired by the Chief Executive, with members including the Secretary for Administration and Justice, the Secretary for Economy and Finance, the Secretary for Security, the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, the Commissioner-General of the Unitary Police Service, and the Director-General of the Macao Customs Service.

The Commission will assist the MSAR Government to plan and establish a disaster response mechanism, including reviewing the territory's weather forecast system and strengthening the co-ordination of civil protection work and the release of information.

The MSAR Government is now collecting public opinion on the disaster response mechanism via the Office of Policy Studies.

From today to 11^th September, residents can submit their opinion to the Office of Policy Studies via website (www.gep.gov.mo/event), email (event@gep.gov.mo), voicemail service (853) 2883 9919, mail to Macao P.O. box no. 1201, fax (853) 2882 3426, or visit the Office to deliver their opinion in person.