Record-breaking Rainfall Causes Flooding and Chaos in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is grappling with the aftermath of record-breaking rainfall that has brought the city to a standstill. The heavy rain, which began late Thursday night, has caused flash flooding, submerged metro stations, and left drivers stranded on roads. Photos and videos circulating online show residents wading through murky floodwaters as rain continues to pour down.
According to the Hong Kong Observatory, the city received more than 158 millimeters (6.2 inches) of rain between 11 p.m. and midnight, marking the highest hourly rainfall recorded since 1884. Some areas of the city saw a staggering 500 mm (19.7 inches) of rainfall in just 24 hours.
This torrential rain comes just days after Hong Kong was hit by Typhoon Saola, the strongest typhoon in five years. The typhoon, although downgraded to a Category 2 hurricane, still caused significant damage, including toppling trees and canceling hundreds of flights. Eighty-six people were reported injured as a result of the typhoon.
The extreme weather conditions have led to widespread disruptions in Hong Kong. The stock market canceled morning trading, and all schools have been closed for the day. The Mass Transit Railway has suspended services on one of its lines due to flooding, and major bus, tram, and ferry services have been halted. Multiple roads have also been closed off to prevent landslides.
Residents have been caught off guard by the severity of the flooding. Stuart Hargreaves, a stranded driver, was forced to spend the night in his car after the roads became impassable. He described the scene as “full of rocks from landslides, debris from trees, abandoned cars and so on.”
The government has issued a “black” rainstorm warning, the highest level, urging residents to stay indoors and find shelter. The extreme weather conditions, including widespread flooding and a high risk of landslides, are expected to continue until at least 6 p.m.
In addition to Hong Kong, the neighboring city of Shenzhen has also faced severe flooding. The downpours in Shenzhen have broken multiple rainfall records, including those that have stood since 1952. The city saw 469 millimeters (about 18.5 inches) of rain within a 13-hour period, leading to the closure of kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, and the suspension of six subway lines.
The government and authorities are working to rescue those stranded and restore normalcy to the city. However, as the rain continues to pour, the situation remains precarious. Hong Kong residents are being advised to stay updated with the latest weather warnings and take necessary precautions to stay safe.