Hong Kong hit by heaviest August rainfall since 1884
Heavy rains disrupted parts of Hong Kong on August 5 as the city experienced its highest-tier rainstorm warning for the fourth time in just over a week.
Wire agencies like AFP reported heavy flooding that prompted the suspension of services in hospitals, schools, and courts across the former British colony.
The Hong Kong Observatory reported that over 355 millimetres of rain fell by 2 p.m. Tuesday, marking the highest daily rainfall for the month of August since records began in 1884.
The downpour prompted authorities to extend the “black” rainstorm signal — the most severe in the city’s three-tier warning system — until 5 p.m.
In the eastern district of Tseung Kwan O, small boats capsized, and cars in a nearby outdoor parking lot were submerged in floodwaters.
The city's airport also reported delays to around 100 flights as of Tuesday morning, with one departure and one arrival cancelled, the Airport Authority said.
The Drainage Services Department recorded 25 flooding incidents by Tuesday afternoon.
Nearby, the city of Shenzhen in mainland China issued its first “red” rainstorm warning since 2018, local media reported.
Officials in mainland China are also facing challenges from extreme weather events, which have caused casualties, displaced communities, and resulted in significant economic damage in recent years.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
