Your Voice: Zero tolerance for sexual assault at Hong Kong university orientations; how to stay safe during typhoons (short letters)

I am writing to express my anger and disappointment regarding the recent incidents of sexual assault during university orientation camps. Students who are able to study in universities should be intelligent and exhibit good behaviour. Sexual harassment and assault are serious crimes that should never be tolerated. I greatly appreciate the girl’s courage in standing up and advocating for her own dignity.

Orientation camps should provide a positive and inclusive experience for newcomers, fostering a sense of community and offering opportunities for socialisation and learning. In light of this incident, Hong Kong universities should reassess their orientation programmes, ensuring that they promote a safe and respectful environment for all participants.

In conclusion, everyone bears responsibility for creating a safe, respectful and inclusive campus. I hope that such incidents will not occur again in the future.

What is sexual violence? The definition is broader than you think

Phoenix Tang, Church of Christ in China Yenching College

I am writing to express my thoughts on the recent typhoon, which had a significant impact on our city, and to offer suggestions on how people can stay safe.

Typhoon Saola swept through Hong Kong, presenting numerous challenges in its aftermath. Its impact extended beyond an additional holiday, disrupting the daily lives of many residents and causing extensive property damage. The torrential rainfall and powerful winds brought by the typhoon inflicted damage upon trees and buildings. The resulting debris posed a threat to public safety, placing additional pressure on cleaners.

To ensure safety and minimise the impact of such situations, it is crucial for the public to stay informed about weather conditions and to follow the latest advisories provided by the Hong Kong Observatory or other reputable sources. People are advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during severe weather events. After a storm, it is important to remain vigilant for fallen trees, damaged structures and compromised power lines.

Despite the impact of Saola, these are the measures that can be taken to enhance safety and mitigate the resulting consequences.

How to stay safe and pass the time during a typhoon

Anson Ng Wai-yan, St Mary’s Canossian College

Since the 2011 tsunami which severely damaged the Fukushima nuclear plant, over a million tonnes of treated waste water has accumulated there. Japan announced that it would begin releasing treated radioactive water from Fukushima into the Pacific Ocean, starting on August 24.

It is commonly believed that radioactive materials are always hazardous to our health. However, Tokyo has stated that the released water, which has been mixed with seawater, contains only around 190 becquerels of tritium per litre, below the World Health Organization’s drinking limit of 10,000 becquerels per litre.

The Lens: Japan’s Fukushima waste water release raises concerns

In response to this news, the Hong Kong Government immediately implemented import restrictions on seafood from Japan.

As a Hong Kong citizen, I think it is important not to panic and ban all Japanese seafood or avoid Japanese restaurants. Instead, we should seek an accurate understanding of the situation through reliable government sources. It is believed that the matter will be handled in a controlled manner with significant efforts from responsible parties. But Japan still has a long road ahead to regain consumers’ confidence when purchasing Japanese seafood.

Lee Che-chiu, King Ling College

This summer, China has seen devastating weather events, including severe floods. It is crucial for us to comprehend the causes of such natural disasters to learn from past experiences.

According to scientists, the primary reason for the frequent occurrence of floods in China is climate change. It leads to increased evaporation rates, resulting in more severe weather. The existing infrastructure is ill-equipped to handle the immense volumes of water.

The damage caused by these floods is extensive. Cars are turned into submarines, houses become swimming pools, and numerous lives are lost. Floods often lead to the collapse of buildings that are unable to withstand the tremendous pressure. The economic losses are substantial, and submerged plants and crops perish. Furthermore, the waterlogged soil hampers future farming. The effort invested in crops is lost.

Hong Kong is not immune to extreme weather, particularly typhoons. We must strive to create a more environmentally friendly Earth by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.