Chief Executive John Lee on Tuesday praised his number two Eric Chan and various government departments for their handling of Super Typhoon Saola last week.

Despite the first signal number 10 for five years, the widespread flooding predicted failed to materialise and the city escaped relatively unscathed.

Lee told reporters before this week's Executive Council meeting that his administration responded effectively to the storm, through the first-ever government-wide mobilisation.

One hundred civil servants from various departments were sent onto the streets to help with things like clearing away branches and collecting rubbish.

"In the whole course, civil servants have become more familiar with this mechanism. They have learned from this experience and strive for perfection," Lee said.

Civil servants had prepared well for the storm and had good synergy and team spirit, Lee said.

He added that members of the public and the media – by offering comprehensive storm-related information – also helped to minimise the damage.

In a letter to civil servants, the chief secretary said government workers had demonstrated their commitment to serve the public and allowed people to feel the administration's care and concern.

"The handling of the super typhoon this time is a prime example of telling good stories of the civil service, as raised by the chief executive," Chan wrote.