Hong Kong is recovering from another round of severe shocks from a series of intense rainstorms. In just over a week, the city released four ‘black’ rainstorm warnings. In an unusual circumstance, this has exceeded the city’s former record of three warnings in one year. Street flooding across the region has left many neighborhoods and businesses inaccessible and city streets impassable.
As of Tuesday morning, Hong Kong’s airport was experiencing delays for at least 100 flights. On top of that, one roundtrip departure and arrival flight were canceled. This disruption has further strained the city’s already challenged transport system as residents cope with the effects of the relentless downpours.
Record Rainfall and Impact
On Tuesday, the observatory recorded an astonishing 355 millimeters of rainfall by 2:00 pm, marking the highest daily rainfall for August since 1884. This year, unprecedented extreme weather has led to historic flooding in all but two of the city’s 10 districts. In turn, many regions have ground to a halt. Streets, parks, and public transportation have taken a hit, leaving residents to maneuver through dangerous and unpleasant environments.
The Hong Kong Observatory continued issuing warnings late Monday and early Tuesday. As the situation worsened, the weather service warned that a “persistent rainstorm will cause serious road flooding and traffic congestion.”
More than 9,600 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes were reported between 5:00 am and noon on the same day, highlighting the severity of the storm. Heavy rain has caused flooding across the city, with a ‘black’ rainstorm warning in place, meaning that rainfall is over 70 millimeters (nearly three inches) per hour.
Government Response and Public Safety
With the crisis still unfolding, Eric Chan, Hong Kong’s chief secretary and the territory’s second-highest official, appealed for ongoing vigilance. In addressing these unprecedented conditions, he underscored a commitment to public safety. Chan encouraged employers to adopt flexible working arrangements so that employees can protect their safety first.
The city’s leaders seem to be watching things very closely and willing to strike back if needed. The observatory has indicated that the ‘black’ rainstorm warning will remain in effect at least until 5:00 pm, reflecting the ongoing threat posed by the torrential rains.
“Hong Kong has issued four ‘black’ rainstorm warnings in just over a week, beating the previous record of three in a year.” – phys.org
Regional Context and Future Considerations
Currently, severe weather related to some of the same atmospheric conditions are battering Hong Kong with record amounts of rain. Neighboring Shenzhen had declared a “red” rainstorm warning today. These recent weather phenomena raise significant questions about the role of climate change has over the region. As the world’s largest emitter, China has a critical challenge but is making great efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
As meteorologists continue to assess the situation, residents are encouraged to stay informed about weather updates and follow public safety guidelines. The strength of this community’s spirit will be proven as they move forward from this trying time defined by unending national disasters with unprecedented, extreme weather.