Various works departments of the Government are carrying out emergency repairs at the 13 locations of significant residual landslide risk after the exceptionally heavy downpour on June 7 to ensure public safety.
Speaking at a press conference today (June 20), the Head of the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) of the Civil Engineering and Development Department, Mr Raymond K S Chan, said GEO had completed its follow-up inspections of the 13 locations of significant residual landslide risk and had assessed the potential risk of landslides there.
"Emergency measures are being in place and the situation is under control. As the situation has been improving with more and more works done, there is no need to escalate the emergency actions or undertake mass evacuations," he said.
"As a necessary emergency measure, sprayed concrete may be used in covering the slip scars to prevent further deterioration. This has proved to be an effective and quick way to repair the slopes and provide speedy recovery of public facilities. These areas will be vegetated when the government carries out long-term mitigation works.
"Various Government departments are working very hard to repair the slopes as soon as possible with a view to ensuring public safety. We aim to re-open the affected roads and buildings as soon as possible to reduce inconvenience to the public.
Mr Chan noted that under the severe rainstorm of which the Landslide Potential Index reached 12.3, the performance of man-made slopes was found to have improved, showing that the Hong Kong Slope Safety System was effective in minimising the number of fatalities.
Many large-scale landslides happened on natural terrain under the recent rainstorm. This indicates that the Post-2010 Landslip Prevention and Mitigation Programme prepared last year is heading in the right direction in terms of mitigating landslide risk arising from natural terrain in a systematic way.
The GEO will study in detail the landslide cases on natural terrain. Slopes which pose significant risk to major community facilities will be accorded priority in the Landslip Prevention and Mitigation Programme.
Given the La Nina effect this year, it is anticipated that rainfall will be high, Mr Chan said. The public is reminded to stay vigilant to Landslip Warnings and keep away from slopes.
Squatters affected by slopes are reminded to move to temporary shelters. The public should not enter closed roads or buildings until they are re-opened.
Ends/Friday, June 20, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:56
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Emergency repairs are underway at the 13 locations of significant residual landslide risk(video)