Shek O Road closed again amid heavy rain

Shek O residents were once again left stranded on Thursday morning as Shek O Road - the only road leading into the area - was closed after emergency repair works were washed away amid the heavy rain.

During last Friday's massive rainstorm, a section of Shek O Road collapsed near Lan Nai Wan, leading to scores of residents being evacuated from their homes to urban areas on Saturday by boat.

One lane on Shek O Road was later reopened after authorities carried out repair works to fix the damaged road surface caused by the landslide.

The Hong Kong Observatory issued a Red Rainstorm Warning signal from 5.55 am to 10.30 am, which was then replaced by the amber signal that remained in effect until 11.45 am.

Amid the early-morning downpours, emergency repair works along the road were washed away while the collapsed area also expanded, prompting the road closure.

The government again offered Shek O residents the option to be evacuated by boat this morning.

"For residents who have a pressing need to leave Shek O, the government will assist them to leave urgently by the sea route," a statement said, adding that the latest information has been disseminated to residents of Shek O through Care Teams and village representatives.

The road was reopened for limited usage at around noon, allowing emergency vehicles and a minibus route running between Shau Kei Wan and Shek O to pass through.

Passengers are required to disembark to walk on foot for about 100 meters as the minibus goes through the affected road section.

(Updated at 1.00 pm)
 

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