Macau (MNA) – Typhoon forecast data in 2017 still show 90 kilometres of track error, a senior Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) technician, Wong Chan Seng, has claimed, saying the accuracy of predicting the level of storm surge was therefore difficult.
Describing the current weather system during the Civil Protection Structure Meeting held on Wednesday, Mr. Wong said the track error still persists despite continuous technology advances, arguing that the impact of a typhoon – in particular, the level of storm surge affecting coastal areas – would be greatly influenced by the landing location of a tropical cyclone.
The technician also said during the meeting that an estimated five to seven typhoons would hit the Macau SAR this year – the same prediction as last year – noting that it is considered as normal or only slightly more.
He added that the first typhoon would likely appear in mid-June or earlier, with the last one in early October, noting additionally that the span of the approaching typhoon season is comparatively lengthier than previous years.
Wong also told media on the sidelines of the meeting that it is hard to predict whether another super typhoon would appear this year.
“It is not always the case to have a super typhoon that appears once in a century to appear only after another century has passed,” said Mr. Wong. “Occurrences of typhoon are random.”
During the meeting, the Civil Protection Centre Joint Operations Commander and Commander-in-Chief of the city’s Unitary Police Service (SPU), Ma Io Kun (pictured, top) said that local groups and associations will for the first time participate in the protection drill on April 28 in order to raise awareness of disaster prevention and to foster better co-ordination.
Speaking during the meeting organised with several other public departments, Mr. Ma said the drill seeks to prepare the city for the approaching typhoon season, claiming the evacuation plan for low-lying areas will be tested.
The drill will also test out an emergency command platform which comprises five systems, said the SPU Commander-in-Chief.
According to police officer Fan Ka Wa, who introduced the evacuation systems during the meeting, the drill at the end of the month will cover three evacuation centres, namely, Tap Seac Multi-sports Pavilion, Instituto Salesiano and the Academy of Public Security Forces.
Other representatives from the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) as well as other members of the SPU have introduced and explained the works of preparing and overcoming harsh weather conditions in the city.
[Edited by Sheyla Zandonai]
