CEDD’s Hong Kong Geo-disaster Prevention Exhibition opens in Sichuan today (with photos)

     The Deputy Head of the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) (Island) under the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD), Mr Au Yeung Yan-sang, led a delegation to Sichuan and jointly officiated at the opening ceremony of the "Hong Kong Geo-disaster Prevention Exhibition" with representatives from the Land and Resources Department of Sichuan Province and the Chengdu University of Technology today (October 27) at the university.

     The exhibition is the first permanent exhibition of its kind established by the GEO in the Mainland, with an aim of enhancing research and collaboration between Sichuan and Hong Kong on the mitigation of geo-disasters. Through innovative exhibits, three-dimensional models and virtual reality visuals, the exhibition showcases the development and operation of the Hong Kong Slope Safety System and its future development as well as the department's achievements in managing slope safety.

     Addressing the ceremony, Mr Au Yeung said that Hong Kong and Sichuan both face the threat of geo-disasters despite being geographically distant. Through mutual technical exchange and experience-sharing in various areas, including the causes and mitigation of debris flow as well as landslide warning systems, the two places can better prepare for the challenges of climate change, with a view to building a safer and more livable environment.

     To deepen understanding of Sichuan's geo-hazard preventive measures and promote exchanges with local young geotechnical professionals, the delegation also comprised representatives of the Young Members Committee of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers. The delegation visited the Sichuan University-The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction, and carried out field trips to inspect geo-disaster mitigation works in Zhangjiaping Village, as well as the post-disaster reconstruction works of the Shuimo Ancient Town and the Dujiangyan irrigation system.