The number of tropical cyclones affecting Hong Kong will be slightly less than normal, Hong Kong Observatory Director Lam Chiu-ying says. However, he warned that fewer tropical cyclones does not mean there will be bo direct hit.

Speaking at a press conference today, Mr Lam briefed reporters on the observatory's forecast for rainfall and tropical cyclone activity in 2005.

"Indications are that the annual rainfall will be near normal, whereas the number of tropical cyclones affecting Hong Kong will be slightly less than normal," Mr Lam said.

However, he asked the public not to relax precautions against typhoons because fewer tropical cyclones does not mean there would be no direct hit.

Promoting disaster prevention awareness 

In the coming year, the observatory will focus on promoting public awareness in disaster prevention and mitigation. From yesterday, a new eight-episode TV programme, the Meteorology Series, jointly produced by RTHK and the observatory, is being broadcast on TVB Jade every Tuesday at 7pm. 

The observatory is also joining forces with the Security Bureau and other Government departments to organise a series of activities lasting one year. They include exhibitions, lectures, TV publicity programmes and a tropical cyclone naming contest. 

As public interest on tsunamis is increasing, the observatory plans to disseminate more related information in future. It will also design and distribute a publicity pamphlet explaining hazards of the sea. 

Stressing the science of tsunami prediction is not yet mature and there is always some degree of inaccuracy in such predictions, Mr Lam said the public should not assume that there would always be warning before a tsunami arrives. 

Lightning location system to operate 

A lightning location system will be put into operation in the rainy season this year. Members of the public will be able to see from the observatory's website the distribution of lightning activity so as to take early precautions to ensure safety.

With the support of the meteorological authorities of Guangdong and Macau, parts of the system have been installed in Macau and San Shui. This enables the area of coverage of the system to encompass the entire Pearl River Delta, bolstering lightning protection in the region.