The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) said in a statement on Friday that it has rolled out a series of contingency measures ahead of the approaching typhoon and rainy season, with a special focus on strengthening rubbish clearance and community coordination to minimise post-disaster impact.
According to the bureau, an annual “disaster prevention and mitigation emergency plan” has been put in place before the start of the typhoon season, aimed at ensuring the swift restoration of environmental hygiene after storms or storm surges.
The plan includes joint contingency drills for rubbish clearance and transportation conducted in conjunction with Macau Residue System Company Ltd. (CSR) alongside enhanced training for disaster relief and support teams, the statement said.
According to the statement, authorities said these efforts are designed to improve staff mobilisation and inter-departmental coordination during emergencies. The bureau has also strengthened cooperation with community groups, particularly in low-lying districts, the statement noted, adding that through outreach visits, authorities are briefing neighbourhood associations on hygiene contingency measures, establishing communication mechanisms and distributing cleaning and disaster relief materials to facilitate timely clean-up efforts after typhoons.
Before the issuance of Tropical Cyclone Signal No. 8, the bureau would coordinate with the waste management operator to carry out advance rubbish collection across the city, the statement said, underlining that once a typhoon passes, teams immediately begin follow-up work, including inspecting waste collection facilities and assessing the overall impact on urban sanitation.
In more severe cases, additional emergency measures are activated, such as setting up temporary rubbish collection points and large skips in flood-prone areas, as well as deploying disaster relief teams to assist in clearing and transporting waste, the statement pointed out, adding that the bureau is urging residents to cooperate with its arrangements by properly disposing household waste.
The public is advised to keep rubbish indoors before Signal No. 8 is issued and dispose of it only after the signal is cancelled, the statement said, adding that priority should be given to perishable waste, while disposal of non-household waste should be delayed to ease pressure on clearance operations.
Proper wrapping and disposal in designated facilities are also recommended to improve efficiency, the statement said. In order to further enhance awareness, the bureau continues to promote proper waste disposal practices through various channels, including public transport advertisements, posters and online platforms, particularly during the typhoon season, the statement said.
The statement also said that the strengthened measures aim to ensure faster post-typhoon recovery and maintain city hygiene, while encouraging community participation to enhance Macau’s overall disaster prevention and mitigation capacity.
This undated and unlocated handout photo released by the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) on Friday shows workers in charge of clearance and transportation of solid waste in streets and neighbourhoods assist in the clearance of rubbish.
