What Forecasters Really Mean by a "100-Year Flood"

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1Cbbos" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1Cbbos.jpg"/> <p> Weather forecasters sometimes warn of storms that unleash such unusual rain they are described as 100-year or even 500-year floods. </p> <p> Here’s what to know about how scientists determine how extreme a flood is and how common these extreme events are becoming. </p> <h2> What does a 100-year flood mean? </h2> <p> Scientists use math to help people understand how unusual a severe flood is and how to compare the intensity of one flood to another. </p> <p> According to the U.S. Geological Survey , one statistic scientists use is the percentage chance that a flood of a specific magnitude will happen. A 500-year flood means such an event has a 1 in 500 chance, or 0.2%, of occurring in a year. </p> <p> Another concept scientists use is how frequently an event of a certain intensity is expected. For example, a meteorologist can look at the average recurrence interval of an anticipated flood and see that a similar event is only expected once every 25 years. </p> <p> Agencies have preferred expressing the percent chance of a flood occurring rather than the recurrence interval because that statistic better represents the fact that rare floods can happen within a few years of each other. It's sort of like rolling a pair of dice and getting double six's twice in a row. It's rare, but statistically possible. </p> <p> Another term people hear during an impending flood is that it could be a once-in-a-generation or once-in-a-lifetime event, a casual way of saying a flood could be unlike anything many people have experienced. </p> <h2> How flooding is changing with the climate </h2> <p> Houston, Texas, was struck by three 500-year flood events from 2015 through 2017, according to local officials at the time. The events included Hurricane Harvey, the heaviest recorded rainfall ever in the U.S. Homes and businesses were destroyed and cars were swept away by the floods. </p> <p> Although math can calculate how often to expect floods of specific magnitudes, nature has its own plans, including irregularity. Many interconnected systems in the environment, such as local weather patterns and larger events like El Nino, can contribute to the changing likelihood of floods. </p> <p> Since the early 1900s, precipitation events have become heavier and more frequent across most of the U.S. and flooding is becoming a bigger issue, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration . Gases emitted by humans, like carbon dioxide and methane, are warming the atmosphere, allowing it to hold more water vapor . For every 1 degree of Fahrenheit that the temperature warms, the atmosphere can hold nearly 4% more water, which is a 7% increase for every 1 degree Celsius, said Victor Gensini, professor of atmospheric sciences at Northern Illinois University. That vapor eventually falls back to the ground as rain or snow. “We’ve absolutely seen a shift in the probability distribution of heavy rainfall over the last three decades,” Gensini said. </p> <p> Other regions have experienced drought due to changing precipitation patterns. According to NASA , major droughts and periods of excessive precipitation have been occurring more frequently. Globally, the intensity of extreme wet and dry events is closely linked to global warming. </p> <p> ___ </p> <p> This story has been corrected to show that the three 500-year flood events in Houston took place over three years, not 24 months. It has also been corrected to show that the origin of the calculations about 500-year flood events in Houston were from local officials, not researchers at the University of Chicago. </p> <p> ___ </p> <p> Seth Borenstein contributed to this report from Washington, D.C. </p> <p> ___ </p> <p> The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for collaborating with charitable organizations, a list of contributors and supported coverage areas is provided AP.org . </p>

What Forecasters Really Mean by a "100-Year Flood"

Weather forecasters sometimes warn of storms that unleash such unusual rain they are described as 100-year or even 500-year floods. He...

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California Coast on Alert: Dangerous Ocean Conditions Expected

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/video/AA1wrMXH" data-reference="video"/> <p> The National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists released numerous warnings <span> on Wednesday warning of "hazardous" ocean conditions throughout California's complete 840-mile shoreline </span> . </p> <h2> Why It Matters </h2> <p> Wednesday afternoon brought beach-associated weather warnings urging individuals to avoid entering the water or to remain vigilant due to hazardous marine conditions along portions of California’s coast. Additionally, a small craft advisory was issued across the entirety of the state’s shoreline, cautioning mariners to steer clear of the waters as perilous sea states might cause “capsizing or damage to both smaller and larger boats.” </p> <h2> What to Know </h2> <p> By Wednesday afternoon, a high surf advisory had been issued for certain sections of California’s coastline. </p> <p> The ocean-related weather warnings will remain in place until at least early Thursday morning. However, the high surf advisory issued by the NWS office in Los Angeles will remain in place until 4 p.m. PT on Thursday. </p> <p> In some places, people were told to stay out of the water because the surf was dangerous. Dangers included large breaking waves and rip currents. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CaIrX" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CaIrX.jpg"/> <p> Rip currents are "powerful, channeled currents" that can move faster than an Olympic swimmer, the NWS said. If caught in a rip current , swimmers are advised to stay calm and swim parallel to the shore until they escape the current. Then, they can angle back and swim to shore. </p> <p> Large breaking waves up to 10 feet posed a threat at Ventura County beaches, Malibu Coast and Los Angeles County beaches. </p> <h2> What People Are Saying </h2> <p> <strong> NWS meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld, who works at the Los Angeles office, told DIwida.Blog & News </strong> : "The main source of the [waves] is always going to be wind somewhere. This correlates to the wind we have been feeling around the coast. Consistent wind going in a consistent direction not only builds up wind right then and there, but it also can build swells that can travel across the ocean as well." </p> <p> <strong> The National Weather Service office for Los Angeles has issued a high surf advisory: </strong> The danger of drowning in the ocean has risen. Rip currents have the potential to sweep swimmers and surfers away into deeper waters. Powerful crashing waves may lead to injuries, knock individuals off beaches and rocky areas, and overturn small vessels close to the shoreline. </p> <p> The warning stated: "Stay out of the water because of hazardous wave conditions, or remain close to guarded towers with personnel. Jetties made of rock can pose extreme danger under these circumstances; avoid them altogether." </p> <p> <strong> NWS Eureka in a small craft advisory: </strong> "Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions." </p> <h2> What Happens Next </h2> <p> The advisories are expected to expire on Thursday. </p> <p> <strong> Related Articles </strong> <ul> <li> Donald Trump's NOAA Cuts Criticized Amid Huge Sea Lion Deaths in California </li> <li> Map Shows California Cities Where People Told To Keep Windows, Doors Closed </li> <li> Gas Prices Are Spiking in California </li> <li> Map Shows US Cities Millennials Are Rushing to Move to in 2025 </li> </ul> </p> <p> Start your unlimited DIwida.Blog & Newstrial </p>

California Coast on Alert: Dangerous Ocean Conditions Expected

The National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists released numerous warnings on Wednesday warning of "hazardous" ocean co...

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Gempa Kuat Bergetar di Bima NTB Hari Ini, Cek Lokasi dan Kekuatannya Sekarang dari BMKG

<p> <strong> DIWIDA </strong> - Data tentang guncangan bumi yang dikonfirmasikan oleh Badan Meterologi Klimatologi dan Geofisika (BMKG) pada hari ini mencatatkan kejadian di daerah Bima, Nusa Tenggara Barat, pada tanggal 3 April 2025, Kamis. </p> <p> Menurut laporan dari akun @infoBMKG, gempa bumi terbaru 2 menit yang lalu berlokasi di daerah Bima, NTB. </p> <p> Berdasarkan laporan dari BMKG, episenter guncangan gempa letaknya sejauh 36 km ke bawah dan peristiwa ini tercatat pada pukul 06:19:02 WIB. </p> <p> Daya hebat gempa tersebut mencapai skala kekuatan 2,5 dan titik pusatnya terletak sejauh 70 kilometer arah tenggara kota Bima, NTB. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/BB1qS1Rd" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1qS1Rd.jpg"/> <p> Posisi koordinat dari pusat guncangan gempa terletak pada 7.84 LS, 118.93 BT, di daerah Bima, Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Barat. </p> <p> Info pusat guncangan terbaru 2 menit yang lalu di Bima NTB dengan skala kekuatan 2.5 telah diperoleh melalui akun resmi X @infoBMKG. </p> <p> #Gempa Magnitude:2.5, 03-Apri-2025 06:19:02 WIB, Loc:Lokasi:7.84 LS, 118.93 BT (70 km Tenggara Laut Bima - NTB), kedalaman:36 Km #BMKG </p> <p> <strong> Disclaimer: </strong> Informasi ini lebih menekankan pada kecepatan, oleh karena itu hasil pemrosesan datanya masih belum tetap dan dapat berbeda sejalan dengan peningkatan ketersediaan data. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CbyBW" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CbyBW.jpg"/> <p> <strong> Apakah ada tindakan khusus yang perlu diambil sebelum gempa, ketika sedang berlangsung, serta setelah gempa terjadi? </strong> </p> <p> <strong> Sebelum terjadi gempa bumi </strong> </p> <p> A. Kunci Utama adalah </p> <p> Memahami apa itu gempabumi; </p> <p> Verifikasi apakah desain dan posisi rumah Anda bisa menghindari risiko akibat guncangan gempa seperti longsor, likuefaksi, dan sebagainya; </p> <p> Menilai kembali dan memperbaharui struktur gedung Anda untuk mencegah kerusakan akibat guncangan gempa bumi. </p> <p> B. Pahami Seputar Lingkungan Kerja Anda </p> <p> Periksa posisi pintu, elevator, dan anak tangga evakuasi, sehingga jika suatu saat terjadi guncangan gempa bumi, Anda telah mengenal area yang paling tepat untuk mencari perlindungan; </p> <p> Belajar melakukan P3K; </p> <p> Mempelajari cara penggunaan alat pemadam kebakaran; </p> <p> Tuliskan nomor kontak darurat yang bisa dihubungi ketika ada guncangan gempabumi. </p> <p> C. Rencana Reguler di Tempat Kerja dan Rumah Anda </p> <p> Perlengkapan furnitur seperti lemari dan cabinet harus dipasang menyatu dengan dinding melalui pemasangan paku atau ikatan lainnya agar tidak tumbah, bergerak, atau jatuh ketika terjadi guncangan dari gempa bumi. </p> <p> Simpan bahan yang mudah terbakar di lokasi yang tahan api untuk mencegah insiden kebakaran. </p> <p> Pastikan untuk selalu menonaktifkan air, gas, dan listrik ketika tidak dalam penggunaan. </p> <p> D. Faktor penyebab kecelakaan terbesar ketika guncangan gempa bumi adalah jatohnya material. </p> <p> Susun barang dengan berat sebisa mungkin ditempatkan di bagian bawah. </p> <p> Periksa kestabilan objek yang menggantung yang bisa jatuh ketika gempa berlangsung (seperti lampu dan sebagainya). </p> <p> E. Perlengkapan yang wajib tersedia di tiap lokasi </p> <p> Kotak P3K; </p> <p> Senter/lampu baterai; </p> <p> Radio; </p> <p> Makanan suplemen dan air.. </p> <p> <strong> Saat terjadi gempa bumi </strong> </p> <p> A. Apabila Anda sedang di dalam gedung </p> <p> Rutangkan tubuh dan kepalamu dari sisa-sisa bangunan yang runtuh dengan berlindung di bawah meja atau tempat lainnya; </p> <p> Temukan lokasi teraman dari sisa-sisa runtuhan dan guncangan; </p> <p> Berlarian keluar bila masih memungkinkan </p> <p> B. Apabila sedang di luar gedung atau area terbuka </p> <p> Berjauhanlah dari struktur dan objek di sekeliling Anda seperti gedung, tiang listrik, pohon, dsb. </p> <p> Amati lokasi di mana Anda berdiri, jauhi jika ada retakan pada tanah. </p> <p> C. Apabila Anda tengah mengemudikan mobil </p> <p> Keluarlah, turunkan diri Anda, dan jangan mendekati kendaraan apabila ada potensi geseran atau kebakaran. </p> <p> Lakukan point B. </p> <p> D. Apabila Anda menetap atau sedang berada di tepi pantai </p> <p> Pergi menjauh dari tepian laut agar terhindar dari ancaman tsunami. </p> <p> E. Apabila Anda berdomisili di kawasan perbukitan </p> <p> Jika terdapat guncangan gempa, hindarilah area yang berpotensi mengalami tanah longsor. </p> <p> <strong> Setelah terjadi gempa bumi </strong> </p> <p> A. Apabila Anda sedang di dalam gedung </p> <p> Keluar dari gedung itu secara teratur; </p> <p> Hindari penggunaan eskalator atau elevator, pakai anak tangga saja; </p> <p> Periksalah apakah ada cedera, lalu lakukan Pertolongan Pertama Prakarsa (P3K). </p> <p> Hubungi telepon darurat atau minta bantuan jika ada cedera serius yang menimpa Anda atau orang di sekitar Anda. </p> <p> B. Teliti Lingkungan di Sekitar Anda </p> <p> Periksa apabila terjadi kebakaran. </p> <p> Periksa jika ada kebocoran gas. </p> <p> Periksalah jika ada hubungan arus singkat pada sistem listrik. </p> <p> Cek arah dan saluran air. </p> <p> Pastikan untuk memeriksa jika terdapat hal-hal berbahaya (matikan arus listrik, hindari pencahayaan dengan api, dan sebagainya). </p> <p> C. Hindari masuk ke gedung yang telah diguncang gempa </p> <p> Oleh karena itu, mungkin ada sisa-sisa reruntuhan yang belum ditemukan. </p> <p> D. Hindari area yang terdampak gempa </p> <p> Ancaman tambahan masih bisa saja muncul. </p> <p> E. Mendengarkan informasi. </p> <p> Perhatikan berita tentang guncangan susulan dari radio jika ada gempa lanjutan. </p> <p> Jangan dengan cepat terpengaruh oleh rumor atau informasi yang asal-usulnya belum tentu dapat dipercaya. </p> <p> F. Melengkapi kuesioner yang disediakan oleh pihak berwenang guna mengukur tingkat kerugian yang dialami </p> <p> G. Jangan khawatir dan jangan lupakan untuk terus meminta pertolongan kepada Tuhan Yang Maha Esa guna menjaga keamanan serta keselamatan kita semua. </p> <p> <strong> (*) </strong> </p> <p> <strong> Periksa Kabar Terbaru Tribun Kaltara di Google News </strong> </p>

Gempa Kuat Bergetar di Bima NTB Hari Ini, Cek Lokasi dan Kekuatannya Sekarang dari BMKG

DIWIDA - Data tentang guncangan bumi yang dikonfirmasikan oleh Badan Meterologi Klimatologi dan Geofisika (BMKG) pada hari ini menca...

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Estos son los cinco parques nacionales más populares de Europa

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BrP2d" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BrP2d.jpg"/> <p> <b> El turismo de naturaleza casi seguro que estará en la mente de aquellos que todavía estén apurando sus últimos días para buscar destinos para la Semana Santa. </b> Y es que este tipo de ocio sigue siendo una <b> tendencia en alza </b> , y, de hecho, según un estudio realizado por TUI Musement, más del 57% de los encuestados muestra un gran interés por realizar actividades al aire libre. </p> <p> Por ello, recogemos aquí <b> los parques nacionales más populares de Europa </b> , de acuerdo con el volumen de búsquedas en Google, para aprovechar la llegada de la primavera para explorar hermosos paisajes naturales. <b> Desde montañas imponentes hasta lagos cristalinos y frondosos bosques </b> , la lista destaca cinco destinos espectaculares para recargar energías y conectar con la naturaleza. </p> <h3> Los parques nacionales más buscados de Europa </h3> <p> <b> Parque Nacional de los Lagos de Plitvice </b> <b> , Croacia. </b> Con más de 2 millones de búsquedas en el último año, esta joya natural croata encabeza la clasificación. Declarado Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la Unesco en 1979, es <b> célebre por sus 16 lagos conectados por cascadas </b> , accesibles a través de una extensa red de senderos y pasarelas de madera. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BrTkY" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BrTkY.jpg"/> <p> <b> Parque Nacional Krka </b> <b> , Croacia. </b> Además de ser un paraíso para los amantes de la naturaleza, posee un rico patrimonio cultural e histórico, que <b> incluye el monasterio de Krka y el antiguo campamento militar romano de Burnum </b> . Sin embargo, las verdaderas protagonistas son <b> sus impresionantes cascadas </b> , como la de Skradinski Buk. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BrVPP" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BrVPP.jpg"/> <p> <b> Parque Nacional de la Zona Céntrica de los Picos </b> <b> , Reino Unido. </b> Inspiración para Jane Austen, este parque nacional es uno de los más antiguos del país y se caracteriza por sus <b> collados, cavernas, encantadores pueblos y trayectos para caminatas y bicicletas </b> Entre los lugares destacados que visita están Eyam, Castleton y Bakewell, así como Chatsworth House, el palacio en el cual se filmaron diversas escenas para la producción. <i> Orgullo y Prejuicio </i> . </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1Bs0JR" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1Bs0JR.jpg"/> <p> <b> Parque Nacional de Thingvellir </b> <b> , Islandia. </b> Como parte icónica del Circuito Dorado, este parque atestigua varios eventos significativos en la historia, como la creación del parlamento islandés en el año 930. Su formación geológica es excepcional. <b> te permite ver el alejamiento de las placa eurasiática y norteamericana </b> , junto con las grietas de Almannagjá y Silfra, siendo esta última muy valorada entre los entusiastas del buceo. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BrMFw" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BrMFw.jpg"/> <p> <b> Parque Nacional Ojców, </b> <b> Polonia </b> <b> . </b> Si bien es el menor del país, este lugar posee una considerable riqueza natural y cultural. Cercano a Cracovia, acoge <b> estructuras rocosas tan únicas como el Mazo de Hércules </b> , numerosas cavidades kársticas, y estructuras históricas como el Castillo de Ojców. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BrY6w" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BrY6w.jpg"/> <h3> Los parques nacionales más queridos por los españoles </h3> <p> El análisis indica que los parques más solicitados por los españoles se encuentran dentro de su propio país. <b> Parque Nacional de Timanfaya </b> , caracterizados por sus paisajes volcánicos que muestran colores rojizos y anaranjados, y el <b> Parque Nacional del Teide </b> , encabezando debido al volcán más elevado en España junto con sus estructuras geológicas, destacan como líderes <i> ranking </i> . </p> <p> Ambos convierten a las <b> Las Islas Canarias son un destino sobresaliente. </b> Para aquellos que adoran la naturaleza y practican deportes en el exterior. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BrTle" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BrTle.jpg"/> <p> <i> <b> ¡Tus opiniones importan! </b> </i> <i> Deja tus comentarios en los artículos y regístrate gratuitamente para recibir nuestras actualizaciones. </i> <i> newsletter </i> <i> e incluir avisos informativos en el subject </i> <i> App </i> <i> o el canal de </i> <i> WhatsApp </i> <i> ¿Quieres obtener una licencia para el contenido? Da clic aquí </i> <i> aquí </i> </p>

Estos son los cinco parques nacionales más populares de Europa

El turismo de naturaleza casi seguro que estará en la mente de aquellos que todavía estén apurando sus últimos días para buscar destin...

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Storm-Ravaged Scenes Across the U.S., Captured in Photos

<p> Very arid and breezy circumstances in Oklahoma and Texas exacerbated numerous blazes, leading to structural damage and compelling inhabitants to evacuate their residences on Friday. </p> <p> Over 130 wildfires have scorched through 44 counties in Oklahoma, according to the state’s Department of Emergency Management on Friday night. </p> <p> One of the incidents included a major fire in Stillwater that devastated multiple houses within this town of 50,000 residents. In reaction to the blaze, Oklahoma State University, located in Stillwater, decided to cancel its upcoming baseball, softball, and tennis events. </p> <p> On Saturday, the storm system persisted as tornadoes caused destruction in areas such as Poplar Bluff, Missouri. On Sunday, a cold front along with a low-pressure system will move eastwards, bringing intense to severe thunderstorms and maintaining an ongoing threat of tornados. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B1RYu" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B1RYu.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B1RYA" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B1RYA.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B1Lr3" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B1Lr3.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B1RYR" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B1RYR.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B1IKk" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B1IKk.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B1IKm" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B1IKm.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B1GIz" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B1GIz.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B1UsK" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B1UsK.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B1GIR" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B1GIR.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B1NhV" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B1NhV.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B1PzG" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B1PzG.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B1r4m" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B1r4m.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B1WCD" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B1WCD.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B1IKV" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B1IKV.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B1GJ4" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B1GJ4.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B1RZU" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B1RZU.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B1Ni2" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B1Ni2.jpg"/>

Storm-Ravaged Scenes Across the U.S., Captured in Photos

Very arid and breezy circumstances in Oklahoma and Texas exacerbated numerous blazes, leading to structural damage and compelling inhabita...

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Hong Kong Landslides: Poor Maintenance Blamed for Up to 60% on Private Slopes

Authorities warn higher drainage capacity for slopes needed, with more extreme weather expected in the future <p> Up to 60 per cent of the landslides that occur on Hong Kong's private slopes every year are related to poor maintenance, authorities have found, urging owners to take action amid the impact of climate change. </p> <p> Government experts said slopes would be vulnerable to more intense weather. </p> <p> "With more extreme weather expected in the future, there might be more concentrated rainfall during rainy seasons, which will require higher drainage capacity for slopes," said Lawrence Shum Ka-wah, deputy head of the Geotechnical Engineering Office on Hong Kong Island. </p> <p> Are you looking for insights into the most significant issues and developments globally? Find your answers here. SCMP Knowledge Our latest platform features handpicked content including explainers, FAQs, analyses, and infographics, all provided by our acclaimed team. </p> <p> He mentioned that drainage systems can handle obstructions caused by leaves or twigs, however, severe weather conditions may exceed their capacity. </p> <p> On average, about 10 to 20 landslides took place annually on privately owned slopes over the last ten years, according to Shum, referencing a departmental assessment. </p> <p> Typically, around 30 to 60 percent of these issues stemmed from inadequate maintenance by property owners. </p> <p> He stated that the areas affected by landslides were influenced by the pattern of rainfall, noting that no particular district needed extra focus. However, he emphasized that upkeep would be the primary issue to address. </p> <p> Shum stated that authorities reported over 50 landslides on private slopes in 2023, during the year when a "once-in-500-years storm" hit the city. Of these landslides, 30 percent resulted from inadequate maintenance. </p> <div class="image-inline-container"> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BXpWQ" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BXpWQ.jpg"/> </div> <p> The severe weather condition activated the city’s most extended black rainstorm alert, lasting over 16 hours. This transformed roads into waterways and left motorists trapped in their cars, along with inundating malls and train terminals. Over 100 individuals required medical attention at hospitals. </p> <p> Shum additionally pointed out to the owners that they could be responsible for maintaining adjacent land areas, even though these may not be mentioned in their land lease agreements. </p> <p> At present, roughly 2,500 artificial slopes situated on government-owned property are being cared for by the private owners of neighboring plots. </p> <p> Each year, the department chooses 100 individual ski slopes for safety inspections conducted by them. </p> <p> When individuals are classified as hazardous, the authorities issue a Dangerous Slope Order (DSO) to property owners with problematic slopes. This mandates that they conduct investigations and undertake required preventative measures using certified specialists. </p> <p> By 2023, 271 DHOs remained unimplemented by private property owners, as stated by Robert Cheng, who serves as the chief building surveyor at the Buildings Department. </p> <p> He urged the owners to keep their slopes maintained in order to avoid the risk of landslides. </p> <p> Cheng also mentioned that routine inspections of both the slopes and underground water pipelines were essential. </p> <p> The administration likewise provides assistance to proprietors encountering monetary challenges, including grants and financing options. </p> <p> More Articles from SCMP </p> <p> Hong Kong coaches lay out year’s plans after teams clinch Melrose Claymores double </p> <p> Hong Kong rescue team set to begin work in quake-hit Myanmar </p> <p> Small individuals encounter obstacles yet strive for recognition and social transformation. </p> <p> Hong Kong Sevens: New Zealand women achieve 'three-peat' with victory over Australia in the finals </p> <p> The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia. </p> <p> Copyright © 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. </p>

Hong Kong Landslides: Poor Maintenance Blamed for Up to 60% on Private Slopes

Authorities warn higher drainage capacity for slopes needed, with more extreme weather expected in the future Up to 60 per cent of the lan...

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