Unitary Police Service (SPU) Commissioner-General Ma Io Kun said yesterday that the government has upgraded its disaster relief equipment, based on the lessons learnt from last year’s deadly Super Typhoon Hato.
Ma made the remarks in a speech at the end of a presentation of the government’s disaster relief equipment by three government entities – the Macau Customs Service, Fire Services Bureau (CB), and Public Security Police (PSP) – at the Marine Enforcement Department Building in Ilha Verde.
During the presentation Thursday, various kinds of disaster relief equipment were shown to the media, such as underwater communication full face masks, light pumping appliances, inflatable boats, 380V mobile generators, 6 inch and 4 inch pumps, chainsaws, power cutters, floating water pumps, portable pumps, unmanned search boats and cable-controlled underwater robots.
Ma pointed out that since Typhoon Hato in August last year the government has been continuously upgrading its disaster relief equipment in order to improve its rescue capabilities.
Ma also underlined the government’s willingness to buy more disaster relief equipment if needed.
Ma also pointed out that the Fire Services Bureau (CB) has bought more pumping equipment, which could shorten the rescue time in case of flooding.
Ma also noted that the Macau Customs Service’s “frogman” team has been increased from 16 to 21 since Hato, adding that the government will continue to organise more training courses for divers to increase their rescue capabilities.
