In view of the heavy and prolonged rainstorm, the Geotechnical Engineering Office of the Civil Engineering and Development Department has mobilised its emergency control centre to respond to incidents reported and stepped up emergency inspection of slopes.
Other Works Departments, including the Drainage Services Department and Highways Department, have also stepped up emergency response work and inspection to protect the community from flooding and landslip. Liaison with the Police has been enhanced so that all departments concerned can react to incidents promptly.
The Head of the Geotechnical Engineering Office, Mr Raymond Chan said, "Over 400mm of rainfall was recorded in the past 24 hours in the most populated areas. The heavy rain could have saturated our hillsides and rendered them vulnerable to landsliding. About 30 landslide incidents have already been reported as at 3 pm today, including a number of serious ones affecting highways and buildings."
Mr Chan appealed to the public to keep away from steep slopes or retaining walls, and remain in a safe shelter, while the Landslip Warning was still in force.
"Motorists should avoid driving in hilly areas or on roads with landslip warning signs. If there are signs of landslip danger, keep away from the area and report to the Police immediately.
"Temporary shelters provided by the District Offices are now open. If you receive a notice to evacuate because of landslip danger or because your home is endangered, you should make immediate arrangements to move to a safe shelter. These personal precautionary measures should be taken seriously until the Landslip Warning is cancelled," Mr Chan stressed.
Ends/Saturday, August 20, 2005
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