Hikers draw scrutiny after entering Hong Kong reservoir spillway during flood discharge for photos

Two hikers have drawn scrutiny after entering the spillway of a reservoir in Yuen Long during a flood discharge and posing for photos, prompting a government department to investigate.

The Water Supplies Department (WSD) said on Tuesday it was “very concerned” about recent viral social media footage showing two hikers entering the spillway at Ho Pui Reservoir.

The video, filmed on an unknown date, shows a woman climbing down a ladder to the spillway, where another man is already standing. In the video, the woman is holding onto the ladder and extending her arm, appearing to pose for pictures as the floodwaters gushed behind her.

A woman can be heard warning the pair: “Don’t go down further, it’s very dangerous… Aren’t you afraid of the water discharge? You could be swept away to who knows where.”

In an emailed reply to HKFP, the WSD said it would investigate the incident and prosecute if there was sufficient evidence.

The WSD said that when the water level in a reservoir approaches its capacity, the overflow system will drain the excess water, causing water flow in nearby and downstream water facilities to rise sharply.

“Hikers should not enter water facilities without approval to avoid accidents,” the department said.

The WSD noted that unauthorised entry into water facilities could violate the Waterworks Ordinance, with a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment upon conviction. Damaging water facilities is also an offence, with a maximum fine of HK$25,000.

The department added that it would step up patrols at reservoirs and explore expanding smart surveillance systems to improve security.

The WSD also posted a warning on social media on Tuesday, urging hikers not to trespass into water facilities.

Hong Kong has seen exceptionally rainy weather in recent weeks.

Last month was Hong Kong’s second-rainiest July on record, with 20 amber rainstorm warnings and five red rainstorm warnings issued.

The total monthly rainfall was 790.3 mm, the Hong Kong Observatory said in a Facebook post on Sunday. The figure is double the normal rainfall in July of 385.8mm.