Hong Kong's longest beach has lost so much sand, it has to be rescued with a HK$2 million facelift.
Secretary for Home Affairs Patrick Ho Chi-ping yesterday said sand loss at Upper Cheung Sha Beach, brought on by the effects of a nearby typhoon on August 3, was so serious there would be restoration work from next month.
The outer bands of Typhoon Prapiroon swept away a large amount of sand on the popular Lantau beach and so far there had been only a 40 per cent recovery.
'The situation is serious as the concrete foundations of the beach building and the submerged rocks beneath the sand are exposed,' Dr Ho said.
'The width of the beach has been diminished by about 3 metres, while the sand layer has been reduced in depth by about 150cm.'
Dr Ho said stones would be removed from the beach area, more sand would be added, and damaged planters and ramps would be repaired.
