A landslide was reported to have taken place near Hac Sá Village in Coloane, as heavy rainfall and a thunderstorm struck the city early yesterday morning.
The weather conditions prompted the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau to issue both the Thunderstorm Warning and the Yellow Rainstorm Warning separately at around 6 a.m. The latter warning system was only restored at the start of this month. A Yellow Warning does not trigger school suspension.
Both warnings were withdrawn by 10 a.m.
The heavy rainstorm also caused a minor landslide at Coloane. Reports of the incident were received by the Fire Services Bureau at about 8 a.m. The affected site measured about 8 by 3 meters.
Although no injuries have been reported by the fire bureau response team that was deployed, the incident caused the closure of one lane of Estrada Nova de Hac Sá, the road running downhill to Hac Sá Beach.
A statement issued by the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) at the start of summer this year pointed out that the city’s peak rain season lasts from June to August each year. However, heavy rainfall has been recorded outside of that period.
The IAM has reminded members of the public to stay away from trees and hillsides when heavy rainfall or strong winds are occurring, as they may cause landslides or flying broken branches which may be dangerous to passers-by.
They also noted that when rainstorm warnings are in force, there may be gusty winds in open areas, the countryside or on bridges, implying that members of the public should protect themselves against these extreme weather conditions.
Members of the public should avoid outdoor activity, especially in the countryside, during or right after heavy rainfalls. They should also avoid staying near hillsides or under trees. The bureau has pledged to monitor conditions of trees and hill slopes. AL
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