Electricity provider CLP is taking no chances with regard to super typhoons and whether more will come in Hong Kong's way in the future.

The company is in the middle of three-year project assessing the strength of its 700 transmissions towers to determine if they can stand up to the high winds which come with super typhoons.

A spokesperson said so far 151 towers have been identified which may need reinforcing at a cost of HK$1 million each.

"Due to the meteorological phenomena of El Nino, La Nina and global warming, the climate all over the world has become extraordinary, resulting in higher risk of super typhoon attacking Hong Kong," said the spokesperson.

"With reference to overseas experiences, super typhoons can result in tower deformation and collapse. To safeguard the reliability as well as the public safety, such risks should be properly mitigated and managed."

The new reinforced tower will be able to withstand wind gust of up to 300 kilometres per hour.

Other mitigating measures to combat adverse weather conditions include slope reinforcement and the installation of flooding alarm and water gates at low-lying sub-stations, plus regular typhoon drills.

It has also set up an Emergency Management Team responsible for overseeing and coordinating the emergency restoration works during the attack of super typhoon.

Typhoon Wanda in 1962 disrupted power supplies that affecting thousands, while two towers in Tuen Mun were damaged by Typhoon Ellen in 1983.

(HK Edition 09/04/2012 page4)