Minimising risk: Geotechnical Engineering Office Deputy Head Wong Hok-ning and GEO Head Raymond Chan discuss slope safety.

The 13 locations of significant residual landslide risks are under control, Geotechnical Engineering Office Head Raymond Chan says, adding there is no need for mass evacuations.

Speaking at a press conference today Mr Chan said follow-up inspections of the locations have been completed and the emergency measures in place are adequate to ensure public safety. However, people should be alert to the potential danger of those locations, particularly those on Lantau Island. Further works will be conducted to improve the situation.

As an effective and quick way to repair damaged slopes, sprayed concrete will be used to cover slip scars. But the office will only adopt this approach when necessary because sprayed concrete can hurt the environment. Affected areas will be vegetated when the Government conducts long-term mitigation works.

Long-term measures

A total of 326 landslides have been reported since the June 7 rainstorm. Although the ability of man-made slopes to resist rainstorms has improved, upgrades in natural slope stability is required, Mr Chan said.

A Landslip Prevention & Mitigation Programme will be launched in 2010 to upgrade 150 Government-made slopes, conduct safety-screening studies for 100 private man-made slopes, and implement risk mitigation works for 30 natural hillside catchments annually. Total annual expenditure required is $600 million.