The Government has adopted a 10-year plan to prevent and mitigate landslides, to reduce risk at man-made slopes and natural hillside catchments, the Civil Engineering & Development Department says.
Speaking at a briefing today, Geotechnical Engineering Office (Island) Deputy Head Au Yeung Yan-sang said the plan aims to upgrade 150 Government man-made slopes, screen 100 private man-made slopes, and conduct mitigation works at 30 natural slopes each year over the next decade.
The office aired a new TV advertisement today, to remind people to stay vigilant and prepared for landslide disasters. There were fewer landslides in the last two years, but extreme weather brought by climate change aggravates landslide risk.
The office recorded 241 landslides in 2013 - but no related casualty.
Proper maintenance is key to preventing landslides at man-made slopes, Mr Au Yeung said, adding that slope owners should complete all routine inspections before the rainy season begins.
Mitigation measures contain risk at natural slopes, which minimises damage when a landslide occurs, he said.