Record-Breaking ‘Black Rainstorm’ Hits Hong Kong: Severe Flooding and Disasters

2023-09-08 06:01:24

A “black rainstorm” hit Hong Kong, the highest rainfall since 1884. (Picture/reproduced from Weibo)

Affected by the “residual circulation” of Typhoon Haikui, heavy rain began to fall in Hong Kong yesterday (7th), and a “Black Rainstorm Warning” was issued at 11:5 pm. Therefore, this heavy rain was also called “black rain”, resulting in Flooding and landslides occurred in many places. This was the highest rainfall since records began in 1884, and the disasters were disastrous. The Hospital Authority pointed out that as of 1:15 pm this followingnoon, at least 110 people were injured and hospitalized, 4 were in serious condition, 32 were in stable condition, and 44 had been discharged. In response to the emergency, the Hong Kong government announced that all schools will be closed today, the stock exchange will suspend trading, and most means of transportation will also be suspended. The entire city is close to paralysis.

The Hong Kong government declared an “extreme situation” and the whole city was almost paralyzed. (Picture/reproduced from Weibo)

Heavy rain began to fall in Hong Kong at 11 o’clock last night. The Observatory issued a warning, which escalated from yellow and red to the most serious black. The rainfall in one hour reached 158.1 millimeters, setting a 139-year record. The heavy rain continued until 8 o’clock this morning. Continuing, the Hong Kong government announced “extreme circumstances” and the Labor Department also reminded employers that except for essential personnel, employees should not be required to return to the workplace.

Drivers waded through the water and the parking lot was flooded. (Picture/reproduced from Weibo)

Heavy rains caused severe flooding in many places, and subway stations were also affected. The city’s buses were severely blocked. Therefore, many means of transportation were suspended, and only a few maintained limited operation. The neighboring Shenzhen, China, was also hit by heavy rains. Many areas in Luohu District were affected by June. The rainfall exceeded 300 mm within an hour. In order to divert the rainwater, the Shenzhen Reservoir carried out emergency flood drainage.

Flooding and landslides occurred in many places in Hong Kong, causing serious disasters. (Picture/reproduced from Weibo)

Wang Changxiao, director of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department of the Shenzhen Municipal Emergency Management Bureau, explained that because the water accumulation area around the Shenzhen reservoir was subject to heavy rains, the water level rose relatively quickly, and the reservoir had exceeded the warning level. Therefore, the reservoir flood discharge was carried out, but only regarding 80 cubic meters per second. The flow rate may not have much impact on the downstream. However, to ensure safety, people are asked to reduce unnecessary outings and stay indoors as much as possible.

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