HK warns of potential delayed landslides after record rainfall

Hong Kong's Geotechnical Engineering Office has issued warnings about possible delayed landslides even as the city's record-breaking rainstorms subside, revealing that 20 minor landslides have already been reported across flood-affected areas.

The office confirmed the landslides occurred primarily in districts that experienced the heaviest downpours, including Eastern Hong Kong Island, Sai Kung, Tai Po and Kwai Chung.

Most incidents involved small-scale debris flows affecting pedestrian paths in remote areas rather than major roads, with authorities already completing temporary stabilization work at most sites.

Raymond Cheung Wai-man, head of the office, noted the current situation differs significantly from previous major landslide events, with none of the recent cases classified as severe.

He said the affected slopes were mostly older government-maintained structures without reinforced steel, already identified as medium-risk sites in the long-term landslide prevention program. High-risk slopes near residential areas had reportedly been addressed previously.

Cheung warned that landslide risks may persist despite improving weather conditions, as accumulated rainwater continues to saturate soil layers.

Emergency teams remain on standby as the office monitors slopes across the territory, particularly in areas that recorded over 300mm of rainfall during the recent storms, he added.

(Marco Lam)