Heavy Rainfall Disrupts Movement in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has decided to close schools and suspend trading on the stock exchange today, Friday, due to heavy rainfall that inundated streets in parts of the city overnight, including a subway station. The Chinese state news agency, Xinhua, reported that the rain began on Thursday evening and warned that the weather would persist until Friday afternoon.

According to the Hong Kong Observatory, 158 millimeters of rain fell between 11 p.m. on Thursday and midnight, marking the highest recorded rainfall since records began in 1884. A black rainstorm warning, the highest level, was issued on Thursday night, the first in nearly two years, and authorities urged residents to seek safe shelter if they were outside their homes.

The downpour caused significant disruption, leading to the closure of schools to ensure the safety of students and staff. Additionally, trading on the stock exchange was suspended to prevent any potential risks associated with the inclement weather.

Streets in various parts of the city were submerged, impeding vehicular and pedestrian movement. The heavy rainfall also resulted in flooding at a subway station, further complicating transportation for commuters. Residents were advised to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel until the situation improved.

The Hong Kong government has been closely monitoring the weather conditions and taking necessary measures to mitigate the impact of the heavy rain. Public announcements and updates have been regularly issued to keep residents informed about the situation and provide guidance on safety precautions.

While Hong Kong is accustomed to experiencing typhoons and heavy rain during the rainy season, the intensity and duration of this particular rainfall event have been exceptional. Efforts are underway to assess the extent of the damage and facilitate the recovery process.

It is important for residents and visitors to remain vigilant and follow official instructions during such weather events to ensure their safety. Authorities are working diligently to restore normalcy and minimize any disruptions caused by the heavy rainfall.