In an unprecedented meteorological event, Hong Kong faced its highest hourly rainfall in recorded history, spanning over 140 years. The Chinese special administrative region was inundated with torrential rain, leading to widespread disruptions and severe flooding across the densely populated city.
Between 11 p.m. HKT on Thursday and midnight on Friday (1500 to 1600 GMT on Thursday), the Hong Kong Observatory reported an astounding 158.1 millimeters (6.2 inches) of rainfall. This historic downpour triggered landslides and overwhelmed drainage systems, resulting in cascading torrents throughout the city.
Videos circulating on social media platforms vividly depicted the dramatic transformation of streets into rushing rivers. Metro workers were captured wading through waist-deep water in a subway station, valiantly attempting to stem the deluge pouring down from road level. Even the iconic cross-harbour tunnel, a vital artery connecting Hong Kong island to Kowloon, was submerged. Images revealed a shopping center in the Chai Wan district completely waterlogged, underscoring the extent of the crisis.
This exceptional weather event was linked to the remnants of Typhoon Haikui, which had been impacting the coast of China’s Guangdong province since Thursday. The trough of low pressure associated with the typhoon brought relentless rain, breaking longstanding records and challenging the city’s infrastructure.
In response to the severe flooding and adverse weather conditions, authorities took decisive action. Schools were closed, and workers were advised to stay at home to ensure public safety. This event served as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather, emphasizing the critical importance of preparedness and infrastructure resilience in the face of escalating climate-related challenges.
As the city grapples with the aftermath of this historic rainfall, efforts to restore normalcy and enhance flood resilience are underway, underscoring the community’s determination to weather such exceptional events in the future.