The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has been hit by the heaviest rainfall in 140 years. Massive flooding plunged the metropolis into chaos, with hospitals reporting more than 80 injuries.
On Friday, countless streets and metro stations in the metropolis were flooded and schools remained closed. The Hong Kong stock exchange also suspended trading completely. According to government information, the “extreme” weather conditions will last until 6 p.m. (local time, 12 p.m. CEST).
Record value since 1884
Heavy rain showers started on Thursday. Shortly before midnight, the Hong Kong Weather Service recorded precipitation of 158 millimeters per hour – a record since 1884. The heaviest rainfall since 1952 was reported from the nearby megacity of Shenzhen in China.
The weather service called on residents near rivers to “watch the weather conditions” and to leave their homes in case of flooding. He also warned of possible landslides due to the heavy rain.
A landslide blocks the road
On Friday morning, dozens of taxis struggled through the flooded streets of Hong Kong as commuters tried to get to work. “You had the feeling that the entire neighborhood was cut off by the floods. One of the underground parking garages was completely washed away,” says resident Olivia Lam. Images on social networks showed subway stations flooded, and an AFP reporter reported a two-lane road completely blocked by a landslide.
Two typhoons hit southern China
Southern China was hit in quick succession by two typhoons ‘Saola’ and ‘Haikui’ last weekend. In Hong Kong, however, the damage was less than feared. “Saola” was weakened shortly before it reached the metropolis. According to the Hong Kong Meteorological Department, the recent torrential rains were caused by a low-pressure system linked to Typhoon Haikui. Experts say climate change has increased the intensity of tropical storms, with more rain and stronger gusts leading to flash floods.
Source: Krone
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