Mud wrestling: Geotechnical Engineering Office Chief Geotechnical Engineer Auyeung Yan-sang and Islands District Officer Byron Lam update the media on Tai O's situation.

A mudslip at Sam Ka Tsuen in Lei Yue Mun has affected two village houses, with five people from three families evacuated, Geotechnical Engineering Office Chief Geotechnical Engineer Auyeung Yan-sang says.

He told the press today that 54 landslide reports have been received since the landslip warning was issued at 11pm yesterday. Most cases were minor, except the one at Sam Ka Tsuen and the other at Kennedy Road which has closed one lane for emergency slope repairs.

Turning to the 460 man-made slopes under the current landslip preventive measures programme, Mr Auyeung said inspections are underway to see whether these slopes have been affected by the recent rainstorms. So far up to 70% of these slopes have been examined, with no signs of immediate hazards and no emergency repairs required.

Noting the recent downpours have led to more than 100 landslides, Mr Auyeung said the department will see if these slopes need further upgrades after urgent repairs. For the some 400 mudslips on natural terrain, he said the slopes involved may need further upgrades under the next round of landslip preventive measures, to be launched in April 2010. Priority will be accorded to those posing risk to life or property.

Tai O situation

Islands District Officer Byron Lam said Tai O's situation has not deteriorated despite yesterday night's rainstorm. The mudslips in the area have so far affected 31 village houses, with 22 people from 12 families evacuated. Meanwhile, 40 people from 15 families have requested temporary housing.

He said 23 people from eight families have moved into the temporary public housing units in Lung Tin Estate, Tai O, and a family of four to Yat Tung Estate, Tung Chung. The Social Welfare Department has visited these families and offered help.

Eight people from five families will move into Lung Tin Estate tonight and 18 people from four families to Yat Tung Estate tomorrow.

Residents who have been affected by the rainstorms and have financial difficulties may apply to the Islands District Office for emergency relief.

On road traffic, Mr Lam said Keung Shan Road has reopened to works and emergency vehicles and cars supplying daily necessities to villagers. The access linking Shum Wat and Tung Chung Hau Wong Temple has resumed normal for village vehicles, while Tai O Road will open to the public after the landslip warning is lowered.

Regarding the section from Shum Wat to Ngong Ping, Mr Lam said the link is only for emergency vehicles' use as slope repair works are still ongoing.