The Director of Civil Engineering and Development, Mr Lam Sai-hung, and the Head of the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) of the Civil Engineering and Development Department, Mr Pun Wai-keung, today (May 12) attended the 5th International Symposium on Mega Earthquake Induced Geo-disasters and Long Term Effects organised by the State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection in Chengdu, Sichuan, to exchange knowledge on the mitigation of geohazards with experts from Sichuan and around the world.
 
     Addressing the Symposium's opening ceremony, Mr Lam said that both Hong Kong and Sichuan face the challenge of geohazards such as landslides and debris flow. The two places could foster technical exchange and co-operation in areas such as hazard mitigation and research of warning systems.
 
     The GEO has also organised the Sichuan-Hong Kong Technical Exchange on Geo-disasters Prevention cum Exhibition with the Land and Resources Department of Sichuan Province from May 11 to 14 at the Chengdu University of Technology. Through showcasing the development and operation of the Hong Kong Slope Safety System as well as the future direction of improving the System, this exhibition could share the achievements of Hong Kong in managing slope safety and also enhance the research and collaboration between Sichuan and Hong Kong on the mitigation of geohazards.

    

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (May 11) seized about 50 kg of suspected smuggled raw amber rock with an estimated market value of about $1.5 million at Shenzhen Bay Control Point.

     Customs officers intercepted an outgoing private car at Shenzhen Bay Control Point yesterday and seized about 50 kg of suspected raw amber rock underneath the passenger seats and in the boot of the car. 

     The 38-year-old male driver was arrested and charged with one count of attempting to export unmanifested cargo. He will appear at the Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts on June 7.

     Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

  

     The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) announces today (May 12) that, except the concerned lift no. 5 at Paris Court, EMSD together with the concerned lift contractor has completed examinations to the remaining seven passenger lifts and two goods lifts at Sheungshui Town Centre early this morning. The lifts are confirmed safe and their operation has been resumed.  

     As the investigation is still in progress, the lift concerned is under suspension. According to the preliminary investigation, the suspension ropes of the lift are intact and the EMSD will investigate whether the incident is related to the failure of the lift control system and/or mechanical failure of the traction system. The lift concerned also has to be checked by a registered lift engineer to ensure safety before resumption of operation. 

     The EMSD has also requested other registered lift contractors who are currently maintaining the same brand of lifts to complete special inspections within two weeks. The EMSD will carry out sample checks for the special inspections to ensure safety.

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Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (May 12) that due to a suspected red tide sighting, red flag has been hoisted at Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach until further notice.

     Police advise motorists that special traffic arrangements will be implemented in Sha Tin to facilitate the race meeting today (May 12).

     The arrangements will come into effect two hours before the start of the first race and will last until the crowds have dispersed after the race meeting.

     Appropriate traffic signs will be put up and police will be on hand to guide motorists.

     The Police also appeal to people going to Sha Tin Racecourse for the race meeting and to Happy Valley Racecourse for cross betting to make maximum use of public transport.

     Parking spaces at the two racecourses are available only to holders of appropriate permits issued by Hong Kong Jockey Club and any vehicles illegally parked will be towed away.