Torrential Rain Causes Widespread Flooding in Hong Kong
HONG KONG, Sept 8 (Reuters) – Hong Kong experienced heavy rainfall on Friday, resulting in widespread flooding throughout the city. Streets, shopping malls, and metro stations were submerged in water, leading authorities to close schools and advise workers to stay home.
This Chinese special administrative region witnessed the highest hourly rainfall ever recorded in its history of 140 years. The city’s mountainous terrain was hit with cascades of water, prompting authorities to issue landslide risk warnings.
Videos shared on social media showed streets turning into torrents, while one clip depicted metro workers wading waist-deep in water as they tried to manage the flow gushing down from the road. The city’s cross-harbour tunnel, a major connection between Hong Kong island and Kowloon, was also inundated with water. Photos revealed a waterlogged shopping center in the Chai Wan district.
According to the Hong Kong Observatory, there was a record rainfall of 158.1 millimeters (6.2 inches) between 11 p.m. HKT on Thursday and midnight on Friday. The weather bureau issued the highest “black” rainstorm warning, with more than 200 mm of rainfall recorded in various parts of the city since Thursday night.
Weather conditions are expected to remain extreme until at least noon on Friday.
Hong Kong’s stock exchange announced that it would not open for the morning session and would remain shut for the afternoon if the “black” rainstorm warning remained in effect by noon.
City leader John Lee expressed deep concern about the severe flooding and instructed all departments to respond with “all-out efforts.”
Some passenger and cargo clearance points at border control points between Hong Kong and neighboring Shenzhen were suspended due to flooding.
In Wong Tai Sin district, vehicles were submerged in water as they attempted to drive down a main road. Hong Kong’s rail network operator, MTR Corp, reported the closure of at least one line, while others experienced delays.
All schools were suspended on Friday due to extensive flooding and traffic disruptions. The government appealed to employers to follow work arrangements typically observed during a signal 8 typhoon, which involves office and store closures.
In addition, several Macau ferry trips from Hong Kong were suspended due to widespread flooding in the financial center.
While Hong Kong was grappling with heavy rain, Macau’s weather bureau issued the lowest “yellow” rainstorm warning, allowing schools and businesses, including casinos, to operate as usual.
Reporting by Farah Master; Editing by Jamie Freed and Michael Perry