Hong Kong authorities evacuated some residents from a luxury residential complex after record rains caused a landslide. They are also investigating the possibility of illegal structures and occupation of government land at the property.
(Bloomberg) — Hong Kong authorities evacuated some residents from a luxury residential complex after record rains caused a landslide. They are also investigating the possibility of illegal structures and occupation of government land at the property.
Some residents at Redhill Peninsula — a luxury estate in Hong Kong’s Tai Tam district — had to be evacuated on Saturday after the landslide affected three houses sitting on a slope, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn said at a news briefing on Sunday.
“Our initial evidence shows that there is indeed some breach of the leases and also unlawful occupation,” Linn said. “But our primary focus at the present moment is to stabilize the slope to ensure public safety.”
Read more about how record rains overwhelmed Hong Kong
Last week, Hong Kong experienced its heaviest rainstorm since records began in 1884. The topography of the city — roads and buildings built into steep hillsides — makes its vulnerable to flooding and landslides from torrential summer rains that have steadily intensified over time due to climate change.
Illegal structures are a highly talked-about topic in Hong Kong, with the wealthy and government officials sometimes involved in related controversies. In general, unauthorized building works involve any additions or alterations made to the interior or exterior without prior approval of the Building Authority.
The city will “proceed with the necessary enforcement against the relevant breaches” once the slope is stabilized, Linn said.
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