Hong Kong experienced its most intense rainfall of the year today (July 29) as a broad trough of low pressure brought severe thunderstorms to the city. The Hong Kong Observatory issued the year's first Black Rainstorm Warning Signal at 9:10 am, which remained in effect for nearly two hours before being downgraded to Red.
The Eastern and Southern Districts bore the brunt of the downpour, with shocking scenes captured across social media. In Chai Wan, floodwaters completely submerged Cape Collinson Road near the cemetery, transforming the area into a raging torrent that swept away debris and blew off manhole covers. The district's Youth Square area saw geyser-like water jets erupting from overwhelmed drainage systems.
Other areas reported equally dramatic phenomena. Shau Kei Wan's Yiu Tung Estate witnessed multiple cascades forming on hillsides, while a pedestrian bridge near Taikoo Place temporarily became an urban waterfall. The Observatory warned of continued landslide risks in the Eastern District, urging residents to avoid slopes and report any signs of land movement.
Emergency services remained on high alert throughout the morning as the intense rainfall coincided with the Monday commute. While the worst of the storm has passed, meteorologists caution that unstable weather conditions may persist through the week. The government has activated its flood response protocols, though no major injuries or evacuations have been reported thus far.
Authorities are particularly concerned about potential infrastructure damage, as several roads and drainage systems were visibly overwhelmed during the peak rainfall period. Cleanup operations are underway in the hardest-hit areas, with transportation services gradually returning to normal following temporary disruptions during the Black Warning period.
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