Gov't cites 'district level' incidents after emergency alert system not activated in Tai Po fire

發佈日期: 2026-02-05 00:31

TVB News

粵

已複製連結

The government says it did not activate the Emergency Alert System during a major fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.

Authorities say that's because the incident was considered a district-level case.

Launched in 2020, the system allows authorities to send mass alerts to mobile phones during emergencies. 

The system was last activated in March 2022 when Queen Elizabeth Hospital was designated for COVID patients.

However, when a five-alarm fire erupted at Wang Fuk Court, no alert was issued -- prompting questions among lawmakers.

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau says the Fire Services Department arrived at the scene within five minutes after receiving reports over the blaze.

Sirens from fire engines and police vehicles had already provided immediate warnings.

The Emergency Alert System is designed for territory-wide incidents, while this was a district-level event.

The government says it is reviewing ways to improve the setup and usage of the system.

IT expert Francis Fong says it's possible to set the system to send alerts either citywide or by district.

Francis Fong, Honorary President of the Hong Kong Information Technology Federation, says cell broadcast alerts can be sent to specific areas just like how travellers can receive earthquake or tsunami warnings when touring overseas.

Alerts can also be graded with different sounds or vibrations depending on urgency.

Fong says as the system undergoes review, authorities should clearly define what types of incidents warrant alerts -- and how urgent each level should be.