Hurricane Sandy struck the US eastern seaboard, causing power failure of 8.1 million homes and corporates.7 subway tunnels situated in the heart of New York City, including the Manhattan Financial District, were flooded. As the biggest hurricane in a few decades, it had caused 33 deaths in the US and Canada and an estimated loss of $20 billion dollars. More than 60 million people were affected, which accounts for more than one-fifth of the US population.

Hong Kong has been struck by 5 typhoons in 2012. The Hong Kong Observatory has issued two No.8 signals and the first No.10 signal (Typhoon Vicente) in 13 years. Due to excellent management and contingency planning of the Hong Kong Drainage Services Department and CLP, Hong Kong can avoid threats caused by the hurricane, such as power failure, flooding and suspension of public transport.

Hong Kong Drainage Services Department has established a comprehensive integrated management system with the assistance of TQM, which includes ISO 9001 Quality Management System, ISO 14001 Environmental Management System and OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System. This system has enabled Hong Kong to deliver a world-class sewage and stormwater drainage service. On the other hand, TQM has provided a series of environmental and OHS courses for CLP over the years, and led senior management to successful corporates to allow an exchange. These all helped CLP to become the leading institution in the power industry.