Report No. : GEO Report No. 180

Report Title : Factual Report on Hong Kong Rainfall and Landslides in 2002 (2006), 79 p.

Author : T.H.H. Hui & T.T.M. Lam

Abstract

This report presents the factual information on rainfall and landslides in Hong Kong in 2002. Rainfall information was obtained from the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) automatic raingauge system and from the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). Most of the landslide data was obtained from the records of incidents reported to the GEO.Supplementary information was collected from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Architectural Services Department, Drainage Services Department, Fire Services Department, Highways Department, Housing Department, Lands Department, Water Supplies Department and the GEO's landslide investigation consultants.

Rainfall at the HKO's Principal Raingauge at Tsim Sha Tsui in 2002 amounted to 2490 mm, which was about 12% higher than the mean rainfall of 2214 mm recorded between 1961 and 1990. Red Rainstorm Warnings were issued on 15 September 2002 and 18 October 2002, and 17 Amber Rainstorm Warnings were issued between 23 March 2002 and 21 October 2002.

Three Landslip Warnings were issued between 10 August 2002 and 17 September 2002. A total of 167 incidents that occurred in 2002 was reported to the Government. Of these, 138 were classified as genuine landslides. Of the 138 genuine landslides, nine were major failures (i.e. events with a failure volume of 50 m³ or more, or where a fatality has occurred).

No fatalities were reported but a rockfall incident resulted in one minor injury. The consequences resulting from the landslides included the permanent evacuation of three squatter dwellings and the temporary evacuation of two squatter dwellings and a total of seven village houses. Fourteen landslides resulted in closure of sections of roads and another 14 landslides resulted in closure of sections of pedestrian pavements, footpaths and other forms of minor foot and vehicular access.

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