On August 5, many areas in Hong Kong (China) were paralyzed due to flooding due to prolonged heavy rain, after the city's meteorological station continuously issued warnings of the highest level of storms.
This is the fourth time in just over a week that Hong Kong (China) has issued a "black rain" warning - the highest warning level - exceeding the previous record of only three times in a year.
A black rain warning is issued as rainfall exceeds 70 mm/h. During the latest rainfall, rainfall in some areas exceeded or is forecast to exceed 100 mm/h, causing a risk of serious flooding. Social media images show many cars almost sinking at an outdoor parking lot in the Tseung Kwan O area, east of the city.
The Hong Kong government has requested a temporary suspension of school operations, temporary shelters for people, and emergency response measures. Several hospitals were affected, with Queen Mary Hospital's emergency services struggling due to severe flooding. Public transportation in many areas is almost paralyzed, and some subway station exits are forced to close.
According to the Hong Kong Drainage Department (China), as of the morning of the same day, 18 flooding points had been recorded, of which 11 had been repaired. The neighboring city of Shenzhen has also issued a red-light storm warning - the highest level there - for the first time since 2018.
Climate experts warn that extreme weather phenomena such as in Hong Kong (China) will appear more frequently and more severely in the context of the Earth continuing to heat up due to fossil fuel emissions.
China, despite being the world's largest greenhouse gas producer, still aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2060 and promote the development of renewable energy.
