Tree collapse raises concerns at Guia Park

A tree collapse at Guia Municipal Park’s running trail on Nov. 11 has left local residents shaken but undeterred in their exercise routines. The incident occurred around 3 p.m., when a nine-meter-tall tree fell, injuring a woman who suffered head lacerations and lost consciousness.

Despite the incident, many citizens continued to jog along the trail the following day. One local runner expressed her concerns, stating, “I’m a little worried, but there’s no need to be scared,” but urged authorities to enhance tree inspections. The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) responded quickly, clearing the fallen tree and inspecting nearby trees for safety.

Gou Lot Fu, president of the Society for Natural Ecology Research, noted that brown root disease is a prevalent issue affecting Macau’s trees, particularly in the Guia Hill area. He emphasized the importance of regular inspections, as the disease can take six months to a year to visibly manifest.

The Municipal Advisory Committee echoed these sentiments, highlighting the challenges of managing tree health in heavily affected areas like Guia Hill. They urged better use of technology and improved training for personnel overseeing tree management.

As authorities continue their investigations, residents remain hopeful for enhanced safety measures on public trails. NS