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New | Storm drains investigated after Hong Kong beaches washed away

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Part of the western shore of Shek O Beach was washed away by the overflow of water from blocked storm drains. Photo: Yves Sieur

Hong Kong’s beach authorities today vowed to investigate storm drainage systems after raging waters triggered by recent thunderstorms carved off large slices of beach in Shek O and Lamma Island.

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Sand was washed away in the western part of Shek O beach and the northeast part of Hung Shing Yeh beach on Lamma. Trees’ roots were exposed and picnic tables were overturned by the heavy currents at Hung Shing Yeh as rains lashed the city for days.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) told the that sand erosion was found in other beaches after “the large amount of rain water overflowed from the water storms drains” lining the coast.

The drains collect water from the forests and hinterlands nearby.

The recent damage has prompted the authority to seek a review of the “discharging capacity” of the storm drains as well as other long-term measures, which it did not specify.

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It also pledged to do repairs on the shoreline.

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