'Water accumulation' across Sai Kung District unavoidable, says drainage chief

The acting director of Drainage Services stressed that the "water accumulation" across Sai Kung District on Monday was caused by the debris blocking drainage intakes, and teams have been deployed to clear the blockage.

Chui Si-kay, the acting drainage director, stated in a press conference that the rainfall recorded in most parts of Tsueng Kwan O, which was over 100 millimeters in an hour, exceeding the black rainstorm signal level. 

Chui added that it is unavoidable to have water accumulation, which he stressed differs from flooding, at eight locations in Tsueng Kwan O and Sai Kung.

He said the incidents were caused by the heavy rain pushing leaves, trash, and other debris into the drainage intakes while the department deployed 15 emergency teams to handle the issues.

The chief added there were more than 70 teams responsible for inspection and cleansing operations after the heavy rain to ensure a smooth and quick recovery of the drainage system.

The Commissioner for Transport, Angela Lee Chung-yan, stated that the bus and minibus services were affected this morning and had arranged for three bus routes to divert, which has now resumed to normal.