Hong Kong on high alert, warns of flooding threats after torrential rain


HONG KONG: The Hong Kong Observatory warned residents to prepare for possible flooding on Tuesday, after heavy rain and strong gusts battered the city earlier in the day, China Daily reported.

According to the Chinese daily newpaper, the observatory has activated the amber rainstorm signal, denoting the least severe level in the three-tier warning system, at 8:30 HKT. This action was taken due to the progression of a concentrated cluster of thundery showers across the Pearl River Estuary in an eastward direction. The issuance of this signal signifies anticipation of precipitation surpassing 30 millimetres within an hour, consequently raising concerns of potential flooding in susceptible low-lying and inadequately drained regions.

The signal was removed at 12:50 HKT, and the observatory warned people to stay alert for river flooding that may occur.

Most parts of Shenzhen, including the Luohu and Futian districts, issued their highest rainstorm warning signal at 11:00 HKT due to continuous rainfall. The sign
al was downgraded to yellow, the second-highest warning in the three-tier system, at 12:20 HKT.

Source: Emirates News Agency