Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa said Monday that projects costing over seven billion HK dollars (US$900 million) are being undertaken by the government to tackle the flooding problem in the New Territories.
Tung, who was briefed Monday on the flooding situation in the New Territories of Hong Kong, said the Buildings Department has launched a special three-day operation starting Monday to inspect 300 buildings in Tai Kok Tsui, Tsuen Wan and Western District.
The 130 officers mobilized will identify and remove any dangerous building elements on external walls of buildings, loose or defective wall finishes, canopies, shopfront decoration, advertising signs and drainage pipes posing imminent danger to ensure public safety.
The Home Affairs Department has opened 27 temporary shelters throughout Hong Kong to accommodate victims affected by the rainstorm.
About 300 people from 105 families have been registered to claim various aid from the government in the past few days.
Tung also noted that emergency relief grants from the General Chinese Charities Fund have been disbursed to the flood victims since Sunday.
A total of 49 families have been granted 160,000 HK dollars (US$20,500) so far.
Seven consecutive days of torrential rain flooded a big area of the New Territories. But no casualties have been reported.
Floods Raid New Territories
A total 12 flooding cases were reported in northern New Territories of Hong Kong up to 11 a.m. Monday, but no casualty reports was received, according to a government press release.
The Hong Kong Observatory issued the red rainstorm warning at 10:35 Monday morning, signaling potential heavy rainfall. And the amber rainstorm warning signal and the thunderstorm warning were canceled at 3:15 p.m.
The fire service department attended seven flood-related calls, including rescuing two people in Yuen Kong San Tsuen in Yuen Long, and two landslip reports in Tai Po were received this morning.
A total 24 temporary shelters were opened throughout the city for people affected by the rainstorm, while, all child care centers, day rehabilitation centers and elderly services center remained open.
Large areas of the northern New Territories remained flooded Monday afternoon after seven days of torrential rain.
(People's Daily 06/12/2001)
