The visible buildup of trash along the city’s beaches is causing public outrage, at least on social media:

“I was on the beach this weekend. Had to pull my friend’s kid out of the water when I went to join him in the waves. I have NEVER seen this in my over a decade of living here. This is out of control and something must be done!!!!” wrote one Facebook user, in a group about the trash buildup.

 

Deep Water Bay, June 16, 2016
Deep Water Bay, June 16, 2016
Image: Facebook/Lisa Christensen
Nim Shui Wan, July 1, 2016
Nim Shui Wan, July 1, 2016
Image: Facebook/Peter Andrew Nixon

On an app called Global Alert released by the Ocean Recovery Association, a local environmental activist group, residents have independently reported buildups along all of Lantau Island’s beaches—Pui O, Cheung Sha, Lo Kai, Tai Wong Lan, and Tai O, and Ma Wan Tung.

Image for article titled Photos: Hong Kong’s beaches are suddenly covered in massive piles of trash

Trash is also piling up on Hong Kong Island, the more populated landmass that’s essentially the center of the city. Here’s Stanley Beach, a community of luxury apartments and waterside restaurants that’s normally a launching spot for Hong Kong’s Dragon Boat races.

Stanley Beach, Hong Kong, June 25, 2016.
Stanley Beach, Hong Kong, June 25, 2016.
Image: Facebook/Nicola Taylor

Trash is also piling up on Shek O Beach on the south side of Hong Kong Island, which is home to Hong Kong’s most exclusive golf club, and a home owned by Tencent founder Pony Ma worth an estimated HK$1.8 billion (US$232 million).

The Hong Kong Government has yet to issue a statement reporting the buildup’s location and severity. Astonishingly, some beachgoers continue to swim in the waters.

Cheung Sha Beach, Lantau Island
Cheung Sha Beach, Lantau Island
Image: Facebook/Gonzalo Portellano

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