Report No. : GEO Report No. 296

Report Title : Factual Report on Hong Kong Rainfall and Landslides in 2010 (2014), 86 p.

Author : J.C.W. Leung, H.W.K. Lam & H.W. Chan

Abstract

This report presents a summary of the factual information on rainfall and landslides in Hong Kong throughout 2010. Rainfall information was obtained from the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) to supplement the information available in the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO). Details of the landslides were obtained from records of landslide 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 that by the GEO's landslide investigation consultants, namely Fugro Scott Wilson Joint Venture and AECOM Asia Company Limited.

Rainfall recorded in 2010 at the HKO's Principal Raingauge at Tsim Sha Tsui amounted to 2,371.7 mm, close to the mean rainfall of 2,382.7 mm recorded between 1971 and 2000. Two Black Rainstorm Warnings were issued on 22 July and 28 July 2010; seven Red Rainstorm Warnings were issued between 22 July and 21 September 2010 and 17 Amber Rainstorm Warnings between 7 May and 21 September 2010.

Three Landslip Warnings were issued on 22 July, 28 July and 21 September 2010. A total of 210 incidents were reported to the Government in 2010. Of these, 206 were classified as genuine landslides and 15 of them were designated as major failures (i.e. with a failure volume of 50 m3 or more, or where a fatality has occurred).

Thirteen landslides in 2010 resulted in notable consequences. Of these landslides, one led to permanent evacuation of a squatter dwelling, three led to temporary evacuation of squatter dwellings, two affected residential structures but did not result in any evacuation, and seven resulted in temporary closure of roads. Other landslides in 2010 affected a car park, footpaths or minor access roads, and catchwaters, without any significant direct or indirect consequence. No injury or fatality was reported as a result of the 2010 landslides.

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