18
Thursday, June 22, 1972
IMMEDIATE STEPS BEING TAKEN TO REDUCE HEALTH HAZARDS IN DISASTER AREAS
The two major disaster areas in Sau Mau Ping and Kotewall Road are
now becoming a health hazard.
The areas were visited this afternoon by the Director of Medical and
Health Services, Dr. G.H. Choa, the Director of Public Works, Mr. J.J. Robson,
and the Director of Fire Services, Mr. A.E.H. Wood, who inspected the progress
of the rescue work taking place.
The Director of Medical and Health Services said tonight that there
was no further hope of anyone being alive under the debris in these areas,
"I regret we must give up hope of finding any more survivors. Normally,
a person buried under these circumstances may survive for about two days or
three days at the very most. After about four days, there is no likelihood of
any life remaining.
"During my visit to Sau Ming Ping and Kotewall Road, a strong odour
in these areas was most apparent and, under the circumstances, it is not
surprising that they have become something of a health hazard. We are now
tackling the problem of disinfecting the areas.'
Following very careful consideration and in the light of this assessment
by Dr. Choa, it has been decided that the task must now be to clear these areas
as quickly as possible to prevent any health hazard from developing further.
Starting tomorrow morning, therefore, the Public Works Department will
move in earth-moving equipment to speed up the clearance work. It is hoped this
will out the clearance time by about ten days, thereby minimizing the health risks.
/During
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.