given their response to Super Typhoon Saola

[Maybo]

Asked whether the government was unprepared for the heavy rains given their response to Super Typhoon Saola, ahead of which authorities held a cross-departmental press conference to discuss different bureaux’ preparatory work, Chan said that it was difficult to forecast rainfall.

Source: At least 2 dead after Hong Kong battered by record rainfall, severe flooding by HILLARY LEUNG

I'm confused with the bolded parts.

1. Does "given" mean "considering"?
2. Does "ahead of which" mean "ahead of asking Chan whether the government was prepared for the heavy rain"?

 

[teechar]

1. Does "given" mean "considering"?

Yes.

2. Does "ahead of which" mean "ahead of asking Chan whether the government was prepared for the heavy rain"?

No.
ahead of which = ahead of the typhoon.