Report No. : GEO Report No. 186

Report Title : Factual Report on Hong Kong Rainfall and Landslides in 2003 (2006), 73 p.

Author : T.H.H. Hui & A.F.H. Ng

Abstract

This report presents a summary of the factual information on rainfall and landslides in Hong Kong throughout 2003. Rainfall information was obtained from the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) and the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). Details of most of the landslides were 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 2003 amounted to 1942 mm, which was about 12% lower than the mean rainfall of 2214 mm recorded between 1961 and 1990. One Red Rainstorm Warning was issued on 5 May 2003 and 17 Amber Rainstorm Warnings were issued between 8 April 2003 and 3 September 2003.

One Landslip Warning was issued on 5 May 2003. A total of 224 incidents that occurred in 2003 was reported to the Government. Of these, 201 were classified as genuine landslides. Of the 201 genuine landslides, 11 were major failures (i.e. events with a failure volume of 50 m³ or more, or where a fatality has occurred).

No injury or fatality was reported as a result of the landslide incidents that occurred in 2003. Notable consequences of the landslides included temporary evacuation of three squatter dwellings, one village house and one temple. Eleven landslides resulted in the temporary closure of sections of roads and another 15 landslides resulted in the temporary closure of sections of pedestrian pavements, footpaths and other forms of minor access.

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