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A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (June 13) urged people to take precautions when hiking and refrain from using hiking trails affected by landslides.
Many areas in Hong Kong were affected by the landslips and heavy rainstorm last Saturday (June 7). AFCD staff have carried out inspections of hiking trails in the past few days and found that 15 of them were blocked by landslides. They include:
* MacLehose Trail Section 5
* Hong Kong Trail Section 6
* Lantau Trail Section 3 / Lantau Trail Section 4
* Wilson Trail Section 4 / Wilson Trail Section 5
* Eastern Nature Trail
* Tai Tong Nature Trail
* Shek Pik Country Trail
* South Lantau Country Trail
* Nei Lak Shan Country Trail
* Kam Shan Family Walk
* Hok Tau Family Walk
* Lin Fa Shan to Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail
* Shing Mun Valley
The spokesman said the AFCD was arranging clean-up and repair works for the affected trails. Updated information will be available at the departmentˇ¦s website. Notices have been posted at the entrance of the affected trails, notice boards of country parks and visitors centres to remind hikers not to use these trials for safety reasons. Please visit www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_wha/cou_wha.html for details.
The spokesman advised hikers to check weather conditions and plan the route carefully before setting out. Always go hiking in company with others and with a leader who is familiar with the route. Avoid hiking in unsettled weather.
"If there is a landslide that blocks your way, retrace your steps along the original route. Donˇ¦t force your way further," he added.
If members of the public find other trails affected by landslides, please call the Government hotline 1823 or send an email to cpark@afcd.gov.hk to inform the AFCD.
Ends/Friday, June 13, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:00
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