Hong Kong, Shenzhen deluged by heaviest rain on record, 83 hurt
The record-breaking heavy rain and subsequent flooding in Hong Kong, which experienced its wettest day in 140 years, and the disruption caused in southern China due to typhoons have had significant and concerning impacts on the region.
1. Historic Rainfall: The fact that Hong Kong saw the heaviest rainfall since records began 140 years ago is a testament to the unprecedented nature of this weather event. Such extreme rainfall can lead to flash floods, landslides, and extensive damage to infrastructure and property.
2. Injuries and Disruption: The 83 reported injuries, including three serious cases, highlight the immediate human toll of the extreme weather. Flooding in narrow streets, malls, metro stations, and tunnels has disrupted daily life, transportation, and businesses in Hong Kong. The situation has been further exacerbated by the cumulative effect of multiple typhoons and slow-moving weather systems.
3. Impact on Shenzhen: The flooding in the nearby Chinese city of Shenzhen, a major tech hub and economic center with a population of over 17.7 million, has had wide-ranging consequences. Disruption to business and transport links across the Pearl River Delta, an economically crucial region, can have a cascading effect on supply chains and trade.
4. Typhoon-Induced Precipitation: The heavy rainfall in the region was influenced by Typhoon Haikui, which made landfall in the Chinese province of Fujian. Even after weakening to a tropical depression, its slow-moving clouds continued to dump substantial amounts of rain on areas already saturated from the impact of previous weather systems, including a super typhoon.
5. Climate Change Considerations: Extreme weather events like these raise questions about the potential influence of climate change. While it is essential to recognize that individual weather events cannot be directly attributed to climate change, increasing global temperatures can contribute to more intense and erratic weather patterns, potentially leading to more frequent and severe storms and rainfall.
In summary, the unprecedented rainfall and flooding in Hong Kong and the subsequent disruption in southern China serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of coastal regions to extreme weather events. It underscores the importance of preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and regional cooperation in managing the impacts of climate-related disasters.
Hong Kong experienced an unprecedented weather event as its weather bureau issued a “black” rainstorm warning, the highest level of alert, due to exceptionally heavy rainfall. The warning was issued after more than 200 mm (7.9 inches) of rain was recorded across the city, including Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories, beginning late on Thursday.
The severity of the flooding prompted the city’s leader, John Lee, to express deep concern. He instructed all government departments to respond with “all-out efforts” to address the situation. In response to the crisis, Hong Kong authorities took several measures, including the closure of schools and advising workers to stay at home.
The impact extended to the financial sector as well, with the stock exchange not opening for morning trade. Its status for the afternoon depended on the continuation of the “black” rainstorm warning at noon.
This extreme weather event underscores the vulnerability of coastal regions to heavy rainfall and the importance of robust emergency response measures. It is a reminder of the need for preparedness and infrastructure resilience in the face of severe weather conditions.
The severe rainfall and ensuing flooding in Hong Kong have resulted in extensive disruptions across the city. MTR Corp (0066.HK), responsible for the city’s rail network, had to take drastic measures, including shutting down at least one rail line, while others experienced significant delays. Videos capturing metro workers wading through waist-deep water in flooded stations underscored the immense challenges faced by public transportation services.
One of the critical transportation lifelines, the cross-harbour tunnel connecting Hong Kong Island to Kowloon, succumbed to inundation, further complicating the city’s transportation network. The flooding of this crucial artery has ripple effects on traffic flow and movement throughout Hong Kong.
In addition to transportation woes, the Chai Wan district saw a shopping mall partially submerged due to the relentless downpour. This has not only disrupted businesses but also served as a visual reminder of the extensive flooding that has occurred in various parts of the city.
Furthermore, the impact extended to border points between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, with some passenger and cargo clearance operations suspended due to flooding. Even Macau ferry operators in Hong Kong had to suspend several sailings to the popular gambling destination due to the adverse weather conditions.
The scale of disruption underscores the challenges posed by such extreme weather events, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and resilience in Hong Kong’s infrastructure and transportation systems.
The relentless heavy rainfall and severe flooding have taken a toll on the central and southwestern areas of Guangdong province, China. The China Meteorological Administration warned that heavy rain would persist until early Saturday in these regions. The city of Shenzhen in Guangdong, a bustling metropolis of 17.7 million people, faced a particularly dire situation. The impact was so severe that all schools, select subway stations, and offices in Shenzhen had to be closed on Friday to ensure the safety of residents.
Videos captured the challenges faced by Shenzhen’s residents as they navigated the city’s waterlogged streets. Holding onto safety lines, they carefully waded through knee-deep water. Meanwhile, rescue teams were hard at work cordoning off overflowing manholes, assisting stranded individuals, and guiding motorcyclists through the murky floodwaters.
The extent of the rainfall was historic, with a rainfall log indicating that Shenzhen received a staggering 465.5 mm (1.5 feet) of rain within a 12-hour period, marking the highest level of rainfall since records began in 1952. Local media in Shenzhen expected daily rainfall to exceed 500 mm, further exacerbating the flood situation.
The flooding also disrupted transportation infrastructure, as both the entry and exit areas of the Shenzhen railway station were flooded. Trains connecting Shenzhen to the provincial capital of Guangzhou were suspended, leaving about 100 people stranded at the station.
In the broader Guangdong region, the impact was felt across multiple cities, with schools closing, warnings of waterlogging and landslides, and reports of the heaviest rainfall in over a decade in places like Dongguan. The forecast indicated that both Guangdong and the neighboring Guangxi region would continue to experience heavy rain for the next three days, posing ongoing challenges to residents and authorities alike.
