Chief Secretary Eric Chan has ordered government bureaus and departments to make preparations ahead of expected heavy rain and thunderstorms on Thursday and Friday.

He chaired a meeting of the steering committee on handling extreme weather on Wednesday, after the Observatory has warned of inclement weather when tropical cyclone Danas approaches the region.

Danas, now over Fujian, will enter Guangdong on Thursday. While the tropical cyclone will weaken gradually, an active southwest monsoon to its south may bring severe weather to the territory.

The Drainage Services Department had inspected about 240 locations at risk of flooding, making sure there were no blockages.

A total of 180 emergency response teams will also inspect and clear blocked drains across Hong Kong.

The Highways Department will make sure flood warning systems installed at vulnerable road tunnels and pedestrian subways function properly. These include the Kwun Tong Road Underpass, and subways along Shing Mun River in Sha Tin and Lam Tsuen River in Tai Po.

District Offices have initiated relevant response measures, including coordinating with other departments and organisations to enhance preparedness.

The Security Bureau’s Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre will be fully activated from 5pm on Thursday to monitor the situation in the city.

The Transport Department will closely monitor road conditions, while the Education Bureau will announce as early as possible arrangements for primary six students reporting to their allocated secondary schools.