Hong Kong Paralyzed by Record-Breaking Rainfall: Flash Floods and Rescues

This week, Hong Kong was brought to a standstill by record-breaking rainfall, leading to flash flooding that submerged metro stations and left drivers stranded on inundated roads. As a response, authorities took the precautionary measure of suspending schools and urging the public to seek shelter in safe locations.

The startling images and videos shared on social media depicted residents navigating through brown, murky floodwaters, battling the relentless heavy rains that continued to inundate the densely populated city, home to 7.5 million people. In some of the city's low-lying areas, streets turned into rushing torrents, necessitating the rescue of motorists trapped in their vehicles.

The deluge commenced late on Thursday night, with the Hong Kong Observatory registering an astonishing 158 millimeters (6.2 inches) of rainfall between 11 p.m. and midnight. This hourly downpour marked the highest recorded in the city since records began back in 1884, as reported by the government.

Online weather data from OGimet revealed that certain parts of the city experienced nearly 500 millimeters (19.7 inches) of rainfall within a 24-hour period.

These extreme weather conditions took many residents by surprise, occurring just days after Hong Kong grappled with its most formidable typhoon in half a decade. Typhoon Saola, initially classified as a super typhoon, weakened to a Category 2 hurricane equivalent by the time it reached Hong Kong the previous weekend. Despite the downgrade, it had enough force to disrupt the city significantly, leading to numerous flight cancellations and causing 86 reported injuries, according to government figures.

The Friday deluge brought about widespread disruptions across the financial hub. The stock market suspended its morning trading, and all educational institutions remained closed for the day. Authorities also issued an appeal to businesses, urging them to allow non-essential employees to either work from home or find safe shelter due to the hazardous travel conditions caused by the relentless rain.