Geotechnical Engineering Office reminds public to be aware of risk of landslides during typhoon

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     With Super Typhoon Saola approaching Hong Kong and the risk of landslides caused by heavy rain, the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) of the Civil Engineering and Development Department today (August 31) reminded the public to be aware of the risk of landslides during typhoon.

     The GEO reminded members of the public that, when the Landslip Warning is in force or under heavy rain, members of the public should stay away from slopes. Motorists should avoid driving in hilly areas or parking vehicles in front of slopes. Residents living close to slopes should stay in rooms furthest away from slopes or on high floors if possible. When a notification to evacuate is received, members of the public should follow rescuers' instructions and move immediately to a safe shelter. If they witness a landslide, they should leave immediately and call the Police if conditions permit.

     The GEO has requested its contractors to complete temporary slope protection works on the site to prevent rainwater from affecting slope safety.

     The GEO also has prepared for dealing with landslide emergency in inclement weather. The GEO and the Hong Kong Observatory will closely monitor weather conditions and landslip warning will be issued when necessary.The Emergency Control Centre of the GEO is ready, and the emergency teams can be mobilised at any time to provide geotechnical advice on landslide incidents to various government departments in order to ensure public safety. In addition, the GEO manages the Common Operational Picture, which is a common Geographic Information System platform for real-time sharing of emergency information, including details of landslides, flooding, building damage and major road incidents, among government departments to enhance the co-ordination of the departments' emergency responses. 

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