Typhoon damage at Mai Po
In the wake of Typhoon Vicente overnight on Monday, a complete check of Mai Po Nature Reserve was carried out yesterday by WWF.
Many trees and branches were blown down by the typhoon, mostly along the main access path to the Education Centre, around Hide #1, around the freshwater ponds at the south of the reserve and along the FCA road. A very large tree was also blown down next to the Car Park. Field staff have worked very hard yesterday to clear fallen trees, so that the main public areas (up to the Education Centre and hides overlooking Gei wai #16/17) are now fully accessible. The floating boardwalk in the FCA is also accessible.
Fortunately, there has been very little damage to infrastructure. All of the main hides are intact, although one panel on the front of one of the floating hides has blown away. The canvas hide next to Pond #20 has blown down, however. This will remain closed for the forseeable future while we assess the situation. It is, of course, essential that we ensure that the hide is safe before considering reopening.
Access to the reserve is returning to normal. There is now access to most of the reserve and all of the hides, but the southern end of the reserve (Ponds #21, 22, 23 and 24) remains inaccessible at the moment due to fallen trees. We hope to sort this out in the next few days, but please be patient until we can clear the damage.
