This April 1, 2022 photo shows the Central Government Offices in Hong Kong. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

The Hong Kong government is actively preparing for a large-scale interdepartmental exercise based on the Daya Bay Contingency Plan (DBCP) to test and enhance the nuclear emergency preparedness of government personnel and their knowledge of dealing with potential nuclear power station emergencies.

The exercise will be held on Jan 12, the government said in a statement on Wednesday night.

Codenamed Checkerboard III, this year's exercise comprises a command post drill and a field operation drill with the activation of a high-level emergency response structure.

The DBCP is a nuclear emergency response plan in Hong Kong. In addition to internal drills conducted by relevant departments from time to time, the government of the special administrative region has been holding large-scale interdepartmental exercises every three to five years and the previous one was held in 2017.

Frontline departments will simulate a precautionary evacuation and set up a monitoring center for radiation screening of evacuees and monitoring of food radiation 

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will chair the Chief Executive's Steering Group, while Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung will lead the Implementation Task Force to command the actions taken by relevant bureaus and departments in response to a simulated nuclear accident and related incidents, according to the statement.

Frontline departments will simulate a precautionary evacuation and set up a monitoring center for radiation screening of evacuees, monitoring of food radiation and more, with a view to testing the departments' capability and efficiency in implementing radiation precautionary measures.

More than 1,400 personnel from 37 bureaus, departments and organizations will participate in the exercise.

To enhance the professionalism of the exercise and strengthen interaction, the Security Bureau will invite mainland, overseas and local experts as well as members of the Legislative Council Security Panel to observe the exercise and offer suggestions to the government.

“The government also strives to enhance the understanding among the public of the DBCP and strengthen public education and publicity about nuclear emergency preparedness and nuclear safety,” said Security Bureau spokesperson.

The DBCP website has been updated to properly inform the public about the preparation and contingency plans for nuclear incident and safety and radiation protection.

The Security Bureau also launched a quiz game on Facebook and Instagram where participants may win souvenirs of the exercise. Information about a nuclear emergency was also added to the bureau's Safeguard HK mobile app.

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To further improve the DBCP, the government will assess the outcome of the exercise and consider opinions and recommendations from the participants and observers, the statement added.