Typhoon Mangkhut gave us a chance to better understand our countryside…
With Typhoon Mangkhut hitting Hong Kong in September, huge number of trees fell down, roads were severely damaged, uncountable amount of trash was washed ashore; hiking trails, paths and many camping sites had to close due to fallen trees. As a countryside-lovers, how can we watch the horrific state but just sit back without doing anything?
Country parks temporarily cordoned off due to fallen trees
Community clean-up initiated by citizens
Images showing devastation left behind by Typhoon Mangkhut were widely circulated in social media. Our country parks were severely affected too, including the more well-known places located in remote places: Tai Long Sai Wan in Sai Kung, Tung Long island, Tung Peng Chau and Lai Chi Wo that are remotely located. The impact of this natural disaster was unprecedented and has raised concern amongst the public, causing many to roll up their sleeves and get involved to help in the aftermath of the typhoon attack.
Clearing fallen trees requires specific technique and safety knowledge. To help clear up hiking trails in the countryside, Oasistrek formed a “Temporary Countryside Volunteer Group”, where volunteers could learn the required skills and assist Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) to do the job. Many volunteers had given their time to enable the public to access these places safely and enjoy nature once again.
"Temporary Countryside Volunteer Group" clearing branches off High Junk Peak Country Trail
Working in Synergy
“Temporary Countryside Volunteer Group”, convened by Oasistrek, took part in clearing-up operation in places such as Lions Nature Education Centre in Sai Kung, Tai Tong and Clear Water Bay Country Park. Judging from the heartbreaking sight of fallen trees and destructed facilities, it was hard to imagine the intensity and strength of the typhoon when it hit the area. Most trees toppled over, even the huge ones were totally uprooted; benches and signage boards were broken into pieces and trails were covered with thick layers of fallen branches and leaves.
Teddy, in charge of Oasistrek, explained precaution procedures to volunteers
Upon arrival, AFCD officers briefed the volunteers on the landscape and condition of the area and gave out helmets, eye protections and gloves. The tasks in each zone were different. The simpler one would be gathering thick layers of broken branches and fallen leaves and moving them to the slopes where they would slowly biodegrade. More physically demanding task would be uploading tree trunks and branches sawed off by AFCD officers on to trolleys and transporting them to the collection zone for further processing.
Trees that are toppled over were sawed and piled up.
Broken branches were everywhere, volunteers working hard to clear them up
Besides getting a first-hand experience of the heavy workload that frontline AFCE officers had on hands, the clearing up actions also enhanced our awareness on safety precautions while transporting tree trunks and using tools. For instance, we learnt how to handle the fallen trees more carefully and avoid accidentally touching bee hives.
If you plan to go hiking in the near future, stay alert to condition of the trails and the potentials of trees toppling over; watch out for dangling twigs from trees overhead that might fall down on you. If you walk pass trails covered with twigs and leaves, please consider moving them to the sides so it is easier for frontline AFCD officers to follow up afterwards. While we are all getting something from being in the nature, it is now a good time to be nice to our ecosystem and give back to our country parks.
It took a dozen volunteers to sweep for a good part of the day to clear up a section In Tai Tong
* If you plan to visit the country parks, always check for announcement and updates on AFCD’s website. It is important to be aware of the condition of the area and make hiking plans accordingly. Pay attention to notices put up on site and always remember that safety comes first.
Extended reading:
Condition of country parks facilities after Typhoon Mangkhut: http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_wha/cou_wha_typhoon_mangkhut_2018.html
AFCD Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/afcdgovhk/
Oasistrek Facebook Pageļ¼https://www.facebook.com/oasistrek
“Temporary Countryside Volunteer Group” Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/320726652067358/
AFCD warns against visiting country parks due to damages of hiking trails after Typhoon Mangkhut: https://goo.gl/VJBVuh