Hong Kong, Sep 8 (EFE).- Hong Kong on Friday was experiencing a “once-in-a-century heavy rainstorm,” its leader said, causing serious flooding across the financial hub.
A man runs in a flooded street, as torrential rains have hit the city following a recent typhoon, in Hong Kong, China, 08 September 2023. EFE/EPA/DANIEL CENG
Torrential rain – with the highest hourly rainfall since records began 140 years ago – has submerged streets and flooded metro stations and buildings, and the extreme weather was expected to continue until at least 6pm Friday.
“Hong Kong is experiencing a once-in-a-century heavy rainstorm, and extreme conditions have caused severe conditions in many districts,” Chief Executive John Lee wrote on Facebook.
“The government has declared that the ‘extreme situation’ will remain in effect until at least the evening.”
He activated the Emergency Monitoring and Support Center and told citizens to remain indoors.
All school activities were suspended and businesses were told to refer to the provisions of typhoon signal No. 8, which establishes the priority of staff safety.
A man views the debris of a landslide blocking a road following torrential rains hitting the city, in Hong Kong, China, 08 September 2023. EFE/EPA/DANIEL CENG
The deluge began on Thursday night, leading to the issuance of a “black” rainstorm warning and caused serious flooding throughout the former British colony, with the eastern district among the most affected areas.
The maximum alert was also decreed for residents near the Shenzhen, Ng Tung and Sheung Yu rivers due to the overflow of a reservoir in the mainland city of Shenzhen.
The storm, which continued throughout Friday morning, also forced the closure of the Heung Yuen Wai and Man Kam To border control posts, in addition to local immigration offices, all public medical centers and post offices.
Videos posted to social media showed streets covered in torrents of water, with people and vehicles trapped by flooding throughout the city.
People at a flooded shopping Center following continued torrential rains hitting the city, in Hong Kong, China, 08 September 2023. EFE/EPA/DANIEL CENG
According to the local meteorological observatory, heavy rain has particularly affected the north of the New Territories, including Sheung Shui, Ta Kwu Ling and the Sha Tau Kok area.
According to data from the observatory, under the influence of a low pressure trough associated with the remains of Typhoon Haikui, showers and storms will occur over the Guangdong coast in the coming days.
The flooding follows two typhoons that have hit Hong Kong in the last two weeks – Saola and Haikui – and which caused serious damage in both southern China and Taiwan. EFE
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