Hong Kong and its neighboring city of Shenzhen were hit by the heaviest rainfall in nearly 140 years, causing widespread flooding, school closures, and transport disruptions. The extreme weather, which began on Thursday and continued into Friday, led to streets and some subway stations in Hong Kong being submerged.
In Hong Kong, the hourly rainfall of 158.1 millimeters recorded by the city’s weather observatory was the highest since records began in 1884. Residents expressed shock at the severity of the floods, with some reporting water levels higher than storefronts in certain areas.
Flash flood warnings were issued, and emergency services conducted rescue operations in affected regions. Authorities advised residents living near rivers to stay alert and consider evacuation if their homes were flooded. Landslide risks were also a concern, particularly in hilly areas.
Hong Kong was hit by widespread flooding and landslides as heavy rain paralysed the city. The Observatory recorded the highest one-hour rainfall since records began in 1884. Full story: https://t.co/xgbtoreVGt Vid: Patrick Lamoine/Libby Hogan/AFP. pic.twitter.com/yc98S3JTFJ
— Hong Kong Free Press HKFP (@hkfp) September 8, 2023
Hong Kong’s stock exchange canceled all trading sessions for the day due to the extreme conditions. The Hospital Authority reported that over 80 people sought help at emergency rooms.
Commuters faced significant challenges as taxis struggled through flooded roads, leaving some cars stranded. Debris from landslides blocked roads in certain districts.
The heavy rainfall in the region is attributed to climate change, which experts say has increased the intensity of tropical storms, leading to more rain and stronger gusts, resulting in flash floods and coastal damage.
In Shenzhen, China’s tech hub just across the border from Hong Kong, authorities recorded the heaviest rains since records began in 1952. Southern China had already experienced the impact of two typhoons, Saola and Haikui, in quick succession the previous weekend, though Hong Kong managed to avoid a direct hit.
The latest torrential rain in Hong Kong was linked to the “trough of low pressure associated with the remnant of Haikui,” according to the city’s weather observatory.
Schools were suspended, and cargo clearance services on the border between Hong Kong and Shenzhen were paused due to the weather. Additionally, Hong Kong’s subway system experienced disruptions, with several stations affected by the heavy rain.
The situation at Wong Tai Sin station was particularly challenging, as floodwater reached the platform, forcing subway trains to bypass the station.
The extreme weather conditions underscore the vulnerability of coastal regions to the impacts of climate change, necessitating greater preparedness and resilience measures.
AFP
