Landslide

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Hong Kong has suffered from a number of fatal landslides over the years.  The most prominent were the disastrous landslides striking Sau Mau Ping Resettlement Estate, Kowloon and Po Shan Road, Mid-levels on 18 June 1972, which wiped out numerous homes and took 138 lives.

Landslides in Hong Kong are mainly attributed to natural factors (such as heavy rainfall and adverse geology) and human-induced factors (such as improper design or construction and lack of maintenance of slopes).  The Government has put in place the Landslip Warning System, which is jointly managed by the Geotechnical Engineering Office and the Hong Kong Observatory, to alert the public about the risk of landslide during heavy rain

 

Landslip Warning

While most of the landslides reported in recent years were small in scale, road blockages as well as property loss and casualty could be expected in the event of a massive landslide.  The risk of landslides must not be underestimated in view of the frequent extreme weather events nowadays, coupled with other factors such as slope degradation and rapid urbanisation.

Landslip warning symbol

Yellow rainstorm signals

Motorists and pedestrians should be aware of the risk of falling or fallen rocks, particularly during inclement weather.

 

“Risk of falling or fallen rocks ahead” traffic sign

Yellow rainstorm signals

 

Emergency Information

Preparation

  • Stay tuned to weather reports and look up information about areas which are landslide-prone.
  • Torrential rain will seep into the soil during rainstorms, causing downward movement of debris from riverbanks and hill slopes.  Retaining walls without proper repair and maintenance may also trigger landslides.
  • Learn about the tell-tale signs of a landslide.
  • Plan ahead for possible evacuation if living in a hilly or flood-prone area.

 

Tell-tale signs of a landslide

  • Cracking, rumbling or crunching sounds from hill slopes.
  • Cracks on roads along slopes.
  • Landslide debris on roads along slopes.
  • A sudden seepage from a large area on retaining walls.
  • Sudden change in the colour (from clear to muddy) of water flowing from slopes or retaining walls.

 

During a landslide

  • Stay tuned to the latest weather and landslide information issued by the Hong Kong Observatory.
  • Stay indoors.
  • Seek refuge in a place of safety if the slopes are found to be unstable.
  • Do not go to a building which is at risk of being hit by a landslide.
  • Do not stay close to steep slopes or retaining walls.
  • Do not drive to hilly areas or along roads with “risk of falling or fallen rocks ahead” traffic signs.

If trapped in a landslide, you should:

  • Curl up into a ball and protect your head.
  • Flash a torch to show the rescuers your location.
  • Dial 999 for help.
  • Cry out for help.

 

After a landslide

  • Stay away from the landslide area.
  • Stay tuned to emergency updates from the radio or television.
  • Lead the rescuers to near the landslide area, point out to them the locations of the trapped persons but do not enter the affected area with them.