Weathering the storm: the unsung heroes safeguarding our campus with expertise and spirit
Mr Dennis Wong Chiu-lung, Director of the Office of Campus Development and Management, states that in addition to arranging for arborists to inspect campus trees every two weeks, the team is actively introducing technology to enhance disaster prevention efficiency.
This summer has seen frequent, fierce, and severe weather. The campus’s swift return to normal after sudden torrential storms is entirely due to the robust defences mounted jointly by the Office of Campus Development and Management (OCDM), and the Campus Support Office (CSO), and the security, cleaning and landscaping teams. While most people sought shelter, these unsung heroes chose to brave the elements, shouldering the vital mission of safeguarding our campus.
Proactive measures: meticulous preparation for extreme weather
Lingnan University’s verdant campus, with its undulating slopes, rooftops, and open spaces, is particularly vulnerable to the ravages of gales and heavy rain. For the OCDM, typhoon and flood prevention is a mission that requires precise detail: from inspecting slopes and trees to securing outdoor facilities, the team works to minimise risks by making meticulous preparations well before typhoons and rainstorms hit.
Mr Dennis Wong Chiu-lung, Director of the OCDM, notes “The safe operation of campus facilities is never the sole purview of a single department; it relies on a comprehensive, collaborative network. During any typhoon or rainstorm, our guiding principle is always ‘safety first, operations second, and full restoration last’.”
Technological support: enhancing typhoon and flood prevention efficiency
In the face of increasingly frequent and unpredictable weather, the team uses technology in their prevention and inspection work. In addition to arborists conducting inspections every two weeks, an Outdoor Internet of Things Sensing Network monitors tree health, and drones are deployed for high-altitude and slope inspections. “In the past, inspecting high rooftops, dense forest canopies or the building facades was both time-consuming and dangerous. Now, drones can quickly pinpoint hidden risks, significantly reducing the danger of working at height for our frontline colleagues,” Dennis says.
However, even the most advanced technology cannot replace selfless human dedication. At noon on 18 June this year, a torrential downpour struck Tuen Mun without warning. When team members spotted the urgency of the situation, they immediately began shifting sandbags and installing water barriers, rushing to high-risk flooding areas and lift lobbies in a race against the rising water. Drenched in a mixture of rain and sweat without having lunch, no one gave a second thought to their dishevelled appearance; their sole focus was the safety of the students and staff.
Lingnan deploys drones to conduct high-altitude and slope inspections safely and efficiently.
Lingnan uses an Outdoor Internet of Things Sensing Network to monitor the health of campus trees in real time, effectively preventing potential hazards.
Round-the-clock guardianship
During extreme weather, these guardians are often on duty for over 24 hours. “You never know how long a typhoon or rainstorm will last. We stock up on cup noodles and remain on standby,” Dennis says. While most people shelter safely at home, these individuals sacrifice precious family time. When necessary, this commitment extends even further, and he remembers that in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Mangkhut, when over a hundred mature trees collapsed across the campus, the team and contractors worked tirelessly for over 36 hours to clear the wreckage from amid the tangled debris.
After every typhoon and rainstorm, when students and staff return to an orderly campus, few notice the overnight clearance of accumulated water and mud—yet this is the achievement the team takes the most pride in.
In fact, the trials of extreme weather come not only from furious winds and heavy rain. The record-breaking temperatures of this scorching summer have also drained the physical stamina of our frontline staff. To this end, the University and contractors have implemented various practical measures, including installing additional sunshades and parasols at work areas, providing cool drinking water, and arranging adequate rest breaks and shaded rest areas. This not only reflects their high regard for the team, but also ensures they can continue to safeguard the campus in optimal condition.
Witnessing the silent dedication of the frontline personnel, Dennis is filled with gratitude. What he most wishes to express to his team remains those simple yet sincere words: “Thank you all for your hard work!”
The comfort and safety of our campus are sustained entirely through the professionalism and dedication of these guardians. The next time you see them hard at work around the University, a simple word of thanks would be the most welcome acknowledgement of their efforts. Let us cherish and express our gratitude to these unsung heroes who brave the elements; it is through their unwavering vigilance that our campus remains a haven.
Regular tree trimming helps reduce the risk of tree collapse during extreme weather, ensuring the safety of staff and students.