Race to reopen landslide-hit road

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung said the section of Clear Water Bay Road near Hang Hau, which saw a lane closed off due to a landslide in Ng Fai Tin, Sai Kung during the red-alert rainstorm on Saturday, is expected to reopen today before the morning rush hour.

The landslide happened on Saturday, when the red rainstorm warning was in effect for nearly seven hours between 8.55 am and 3.50 pm and the landslip warning was issued at 10.30 am. The amber rainstorm warning was up until 8.45 pm.

The Geotechnical Engineering Office's emergency control center received a total of 15 reports of landslides in Sai Kung area on Saturday.

The Ng Fai Tin one was one of the worst, causing a 30-meter long and 40-meter deep slope to collapse.

The deluge washed away a significant amount of soil and caused part of the footpath to collapse, exposing pipes and forcing vehicles in both directions to share a lane due to the closure.

After inspecting the area, Lam said workers have been applying concrete to the slope.

He expressed confidence that the traffic can return to normal before morning rush hour today.

He emphasized the importance of caution, saying "when we reopen the road, we have to ensure it's safe after the temporary consolidation work.

"If we can't do that, we won't reopen the road."

Lam also said temporary measures have been put in place, including the installation of water pumps in case of more heavy rain.

Contractors and the Highways Department will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with the Observatory regarding the weather.

Lam also said that further work will be carried out to reinforce the slope's structure.

Hang Hau Rural Committee chairman Lau Kai-hong said three households in Wai Sum Village, Mang Kung Uk, had to evacuate due to a landslide on Saturday.

"The Home Affairs Department and the police helped to cordon off the affected area and assisted villagers in temporarily relocating to nearby relatives and friends," he said. "We hope that the situation will improve in the next two days, allowing the villagers to return to their homes."

Saturday's deluge also caused significant damage to Clear Water Bay Second Beach and Hap Mun Bay in Sai Kung.

At the beach, floodwater from the hillside carried away a lot of sand, leaving the popular spot's staircase exposed and scattering boulders and debris across the shore.

Due to water quality concerns, a red flag was raised at the beach.