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Letters

I refer to the letter from Bob Rogers on the impact of Typhoon Mangkhut (“Illegally built structures put lives at risk”, September 18). Confusing separate issues creates, rather than solves, problems.
Our (registered) “illegal structure”, which is now 12 years old, survived, as did many others that were built by competent contractors. Some neighbours have been less fortunate, losing windows, doors, a roof, even the entire structure. Incompetent design and/or workmanship, no doubt, substantially contributed to some of the damage.
Super typhoons cause considerable damage, but do not discriminate between lawful and illegal structures. I doubt whether Mr Rogers considers One Harbourfront or the Heng Fa Chuen estate “illegal structures”.
Despite their sometimes combined devastating results, storm damage, illegal construction and incompetence are three quite separate issues.
Peter Robertson, Sai Kung

How about a No 5 typhoon signal to allow clean-up action?
In the aftermath of Typhoon Mangkhut, after several hours of having the No 10 signal in place, it was inevitable that there would be widespread damage, flooding, fallen trees and landslides that would seriously disrupt normal traffic on our roads and railways.
Typhoon Mangkhut travel chaos
Seeing the chaos around Tai Wai station on Monday morning, I felt there could be a case for an intermediate Signal No 5, which would indicate it was safe for the tree fellers, maintenance engineers for both road and rail, as well as slopes and drainage, to come out to assess the damage and carry out necessary emergency remedial works – so that transport could resume operating.
This would probably be for no longer than half a day, and then the No 3 signal could be put into effect – indicating that it was safe for the general public to go about their business.
Roger Nissim, Ma On Shan


When a typhoon hits Hong Kong

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Typhoon Mangkhut

After Typhoon Mangkhut: time for Hong Kong to avoid confusion over storm damage issues

Blown-out windows as seen from inside the One Harbourfront office building in Hung Hom on September 17, a day after Typhoon Mangkhut left a trail of devastation in Hong Kong. Photo: Felix Wong

Broken trees cause roadblocks on Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley after Typhoon Mangkhut hit Hong Kong on Sunday September 16, 2018. 17SEP18 SCMP / Nora Tam

Carrie Lam denies interfering in CE illegal structure probe

Carrie Lam speaks at a Legco meeting in Tamar on Wednesday. Photo: Sam Tsang

Government must get a grip on illegal structures

Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah attends a Legislative Council meeting on January 24. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

Home improvements should not be illegal in Hong Kong – renovate the rules on illegal structures instead

Illegal rooftop structures on a building in Sham Shui Po. Illegal structures are common in Hong Kong given the high cost of land. Photo: David Wong

The "Sammy Cow" neon sign of Sammy's Kitchen, which located on Queen's Road West in Western, was being dismantled, and will be sent to M+ collection storage. 05AUG15

Opinion

Extreme weather

Transport and logistics