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On Friday, Hong Kong experienced unprecedented rainfall that caused flash flooding to flood metro stations and engulf commuters on the roads, while schools were closed and people were advised to seek safety elsewhere.
The city of 7.5 million was inundated by heavy rain, with photos and videos showing residents struggling to navigate the murky brown floodwaters. In some low-lying areas, streets were transformed into violent torrents, leading to authorities having to rescue drivers who were stuck in their cars.
The government announced in a news release that the deluge started on Thursday night, with the Hong Kong Observatory reporting over 158 millimeters (6.2 inches) of rainfall between 11 p.m. and midnight, marking the highest hourly rainfall since 1884.
OGimet, an online weather data site, reported that almost 500 mm (19.7 inches) of rainfall was recorded in certain parts of the city within a 24-hour period.
In Hong Kong, China, a road section collapsed in September after flood and heavy rains, leaving occupants trapped inside.
A flooded parking area in Hong Kong on September 8, 2023 caused vehicles to be submerged. Image credit: Tyrone Siu/Reuters.
Many residents were taken aback by the extreme conditions, which coincided with Hong Kong being hit by its most powerful typhoon in five years.
Typhoon Saola, which was originally a super typhoON, reached Hong Kong last weekend and became threatening with devastation as it weakened to the point of causing significant damage and disruptions to international flights. The government claims that 86% of the impacted individuals were injured.
The financial hub was hit by another deluge on Friday, resulting in widespread disruptions and transportation disruption. The stock market ceased trading, and all schools were closed. On Friday at the same time, authorities asked businesses to allow non-essential employees to stay at home or find safe-haven, as they believed that travel could be hazardous.
Professor Stuart Hargreaves from Hong Kong was left stranded in his car after being trapped on the flooded roads while driving home on Thursday night. He had to spend the night inside as the road was impassable, with water entering the vehicle under the bonnet and flooding the engine.
According to him, several other cars were also flooded and were “floating” nearby. He managed to park in a secure area, but there was no escape available. When he returned home after nine hours, the road was filled with rocks from landslides, debris from trees, abandoned cars, and more.
A flooded alleyway in Hong Kong, captured by Mladen Antonov/AFP/Getty Images, was first seen on September 8, 2023.
On September 8, 2023, a road in Hong Kong was blocked by debris from flooded landside after heavy rainfall. Pictured is Tyrone Siu/Reuters.
The Hong Kong Hospital Authority has confirmed that 119 people have been injured in the downpour, with four of them in serious condition. The government predicted that the “extreme” conditions would persist until midnight on Friday.
Following the flooded station in the Wong Tai Sin district, the Mass Transit Railway announced that one of its lines will be suspended. Footage shared online shows floodwater pouring down the stairs and workers at a different station struggling to prevent the flooding.
RTHK reported that all major bus, tram, and ferry services were suspended, while most subway operations continued as usual. Although some bus services resumed on Friday afternoon, many routes remain closed or diverted.
Due to the risk of landslides, several roads in the mountainous region were closed, and officials issued a warning for the highest “black” rainstorm in two years.
A flooded area in Hong Kong is explored by a bus on September 8, 2023. Photograph taken by Tyrone Siu/Reuters.
The first floors of certain buildings and shopping malls were flooded by floodwater, as seen in videos from Thursday evening, with chairs and debris scattered around the premises.
The government cautioned against flooding in the northern New Territories district, which is adjacent to the Chinese mainland, after Shenzhen pledged to release water from a reservoir.
Chinese state media reported that Shenzhen set new rain records, including the highest rainfall levels in the city for two, three, six, and 12 hours.
According to state media, Shenzhen experienced a rainfall of 469 millimeters (approximately 18.5 inches) from 5 p.m. on Thursday to 6 acre on Friday, leading to the closure of kindergartens, primary, and secondary schools and the suspension of six subway lines.