Secretary for Development Carrie Lam says the Government will continue to invest in infrastructure to enhance Hong Kong's resilience in handling incidents triggered by adverse weather.

It will launch the long-term Landslip Prevention & Mitigation Programme in 2010 and build three rainwater drainage tunnels on Hong Kong Island, in Lai Chi Kok and Tsuen Wan.

Slope safety

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Mrs Lam said engineers have inspected slopes and other infrastructure. She said man-made slopes withstood the June 7 rainstorm and no serious flooding was reported in the New Territories.

The storm caused at least 162 landslides. The Government has completed checks and ordered urgent repair work.

Engineers will complete their review of the status of 460 slopes under the Landslip Preventive Measures programme over the next two days.

The Geotechnical Engineering Office has released the 13 locations of significant residual landslide risk arising from the rainstorm and further inspections have been arranged.

Drainage clearance

The Drainage Services Department received 622 flooding reports during the storm and follow-up works have been completed.

To tackle flooding in Wing Lok Street, Sheung Shui, it will enhance its flooding management system. If the Hong Kong Observatory issues the Amber Rainstorm Warning, a team will be sent to Wing Lok Street to clear any drain blockage. More teams will go to the site when the red and black warnings are issued. An engineering vehicle will be stationed at the junction of Wing Lok and Morrison Streets when a black warning is issued to help shop owners in need.

Mrs Lam said the Government will handle incidents triggered by inclement weather in a more systematic and efficient manner.

Urging the public to pay special attention to landslides and keep drains clear, she said television announcements will be broadcast next week to enhance public awareness.

Tai O updates

Islands District Officer Byron Lam said the section of Tai O Road to Ngong Ping will be reopened tomorrow and water supplies to Tai Long Wan have resumed normal.

Secretary for Transport & Housing Eva Cheng inspected restoration work to a section of Keung Shan Road near Shum Wat Road on Lantau Island today. She said if work progresses smoothly the damaged section may reopen for one lane two-way traffic for limited periods as scheduled, as long as traffic does not affect the remaining works or compromise safety.

"The Highways Department has urged the contractor to speed up the repair works," she said.

Twenty-one Tai O residents have been evacuated from dangerous areas with 13 from six households living in temporary flats.

The Transport Department has organised an additional ferry sailing from Tung Chung to Tai O at 9.15am Mondays to Saturdays from tomorrow.

Discharge alert

Shenzhen authorities have informed Hong Kong that water will be discharged from the Shenzhen reservoir at 7.30pm today.

The Drainage Services, Fire Services, Water Supplies and Social Welfare Departments, and Police, are on standby should problems arise.

The North District Office is advising local residents on precautionary measures.