Route 10 - The Peak (Peak Galleria Car Park)－Junction of Magazine Gap Road and Peak Road Flashcards
Route 10 - Points to mention:
The Peak (Peak Galleria Car Park)－Junction of Magazine Gap Road and Peak Road
this section ends at Junction of Magazine Gap Road and Peak Road. i.e. 4
3 bulletpoints - 10 minutes
- Pok Fu Lam Reservoir
- Dangerous slopes
- 4-Storey Mansion
Pok Fu Lam Reservoir
1. History:
* Before the completion of the reservoir in 1863, the people in the city got their water from nearby streams or wells.
* These methods however were unable to support the rapid growth of the Hong Kong population since 1841. Due to diseases caused by polluted water, the Government needed an urgent solution to the problem.
* A clerk from Royal Engineers suggested the construction of a dam across the valley of Pokfulam to collect rainwater.
* The first reservoir was completed in 1863.
* Second reservoir built upstream in 1871, completed 1877
* Capacity in total 260,000 cubic meters
2. Water Management:
There are a number of reasons why Hong Kong has 17 reservoirs:
* Limited Natural Freshwater Sources - Hong Kong has no major rivers or natural lakes, making it difficult to sustain the water needs of the population without artificial reservoirs.
* Seasonal Rainfall Variability – Hong Kong experiences distinct wet and dry seasons. Reservoirs were needed to store rainwater during the wet season for use in the dry season.
* Strategic Water Security – Ensuring a self-sufficient water supply was crucial, especially before Hong Kong started importing water from mainland China’s Dongjiang River in 1965.
3. Water Supply:
* Local Reservoirs: Hong Kong has 17 reservoirs, including Plover Cove and High Island Reservoirs, but they supply only 20-30% of demand.
* Dongjiang Water: About 70-80% of Hong Kong’s water is imported from Dongjiang (East River) in Guangdong, under an agreement since 1965.
* Seawater for Flushing: Since the 1950s, Hong Kong uses seawater for toilet flushing, reducing freshwater consumption.
* Water Security: Efforts include desalination (Tseung Kwan O desalination plant) and water conservation programs to ensure long-term supply stability.
4. Climate:
* Subtropical Climate: Hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters.
* Four Seasons:
1. Spring (Mar-May): Warm, humid, occasional rain.
2. Summer (Jun-Sep): Hot (up to 35°C), humid, frequent typhoons.
3. Autumn (Oct-Nov): Pleasant, cooler, drier.
4. Winter (Dec-Feb): Mild (10-20°C), little rain, occasional cold spells.
* Typhoon Season: June to October, with strong winds and heavy rain.
* Annual Rainfall: ~2,400mm, mostly in summer months.
6. Natural Disasters:
* Typhoons: Most frequent disaster, occurring June–October. Hong Kong uses a Tropical Cyclone Warning System (T1–T10) for public safety.
* Heavy Rain & Flooding: Common during summer; Amber, Red, and Black Rainstorm Warnings issued based on severity.
* Landslides: Triggered by heavy rain, especially in hilly areas. The Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) manages slope safety.
* Storm Surges: Strong typhoons can cause coastal flooding, as seen in Typhoon Mangkhut (2018).
* Earthquakes: Rare and usually mild, as Hong Kong is not on a major tectonic boundary.
Dangerous Slopes on HK Island and across Hong Kong
The Peak’s Risk Factor: Steep slopes make landslide prevention crucial for safety.
1. Mountainous Terrain & Dense Population:
Requires hillside construction, increasing landslide risk.
2. Frequent Landslides:
~300 reports annually, especially during heavy rain.
3. Major Past Landslides:
* 1925 & 1972: Fatal landslides on The Peak.
* 1976 Sau Mau Ping Landslide: Led to the creation of the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) in 1977.
* 1995 Kotewall Road Disaster: Further highlighted slope dangers.
4. Comprehensive Slope Safety System:
* Landslide warnings issued during heavy rain.
* Warning signs placed near dangerous slopes.
* Regular maintenance & inspections by the GEO (Geotechnical Engineering Office).
4-Storey Mansion
Four-Storey Mansion:
* Owned by wealthy Chinese merchant with four wives.
* Wives nicknamed Plum, Orchid, Chrysanthemum, and Bamboo.
* Each floor had separate entrance for each wife.
* Built at 27 Magazine Gap Road
* Designed by Palmer & Turner
* Completed in 1954
