Hong Kong Chief Executive (CE) Donald Tsang inspected flood-affected areas including Sheung Wanand Western District on Saturday.

Friday's rainstorms prompted Hong Kong's first red rainstorm warning for 2005 and delayed a number of airliners at Hong Kong International Airport and road traffic in some parts of the city were also affected. 

Speaking to reporters, Tsang said when he was in Beijing Friday,he was told about the widespread flooding in the urban areas and the New Territories, causing considerable inconvenience and property loss for residents and shopowners.

"When I returned to Hong Kong Friday night I looked at the TV and saw some hair-raising scenes which were a result of the rains," Tsang said.

The CE went to visit some of the affected areas immediately after the press conference and a meeting of the members of the Executive Council earlier Saturday.

"In Sheung Wan where there are many dried seafood shops in the area adjacent to Des Voeux Road West, the flooding was particularly severe, almost one meter high. It was fortunate that no one was injured and damage to goods in shops was not too serious. The residents are taking a positive attitude," Tsang said.

"The government must pay special attention to reduce the risk of recurrence," he added.

Tsang was accompanied by Director of Drainage Services, Deputy Secretary for Environment, Transport and Works and some other officials.

During his inspection tour he was briefed by the Drainage Services Department about the progress of flood protection work invarious districts including Ta Kwu Ling where work is expected to be completed early next year.

Work in other districts is earmarked to start next year but may take some time to complete.  

"I have requested my colleagues to see if these improvement works can be speeded up or if there are any temporary measures that can be implemented to alleviate the chance of more flooding,"Tsang said.  

Editor: Yan