Report No. : GEO Report No. 105

Report Title : Hong Kong Rainfall and Landslides in 1998 (2000), 96 p.

Author : T.W.K. Lam

Abstract

This Report presents a review of rainfall and landslides in Hong Kong throughout 1998. Rainfall information has been obtained from the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) automatic raingauge system and from the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). Most of the landslide data have been taken from the records of incidents reported to the GEO in 1998. Supplementary data have been obtained from the GEO's 1998 Landslide Investigation Consultants and other Government Departments.

Rainfall at the HKO in 1998 amounted to 2565 millimetres, 16% above normal. The black rainstorm signal was issued once on 9 June when a daily rainfall of 411 millimetres was recorded.

One Landslip Warning was issued in 1998, during the rainstorm of 9 June. A total of 228 incidents was reported to the District Divisions of the GEO, 216 of which were classified as genuine landslides, and 24 of which were major (events with a volume of collapsed or distressed mass of 50 m³ or more, or where a fatality has occurred). No fatalities or injuries were reported. The consequences resulting from the landslides included the temporary evacuation of 22 squatter huts, 6 houses and 10 flats, and the permanent evacuation of 11 squatter huts. Sixty-eight landslides resulted in the blockage of sections of road, pedestrian pavement or access.

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