Lantau and Lamma take brunt of deluge

Christine Tang

Severe flooding and landslides hit Lantau and Lamma, with over 100 millimeters of rain recorded by the Hong Kong Observatory as it issued a red rainstorm at 2.50 pm yesterday.

The heavy rain, prompted by a trough of low pressure, led to significant flooding and landslides across the two islands, impacting transportation and infrastructure.

According to the Observatory, the southern part of Lantau was hit by more than 170 millimeters.

Photos on social media showed a taxi with its wheels submerged in floodwaters on Lantau and a landslide partially blocking the South Lantau Road, a major thoroughfare. Flooding was also reported near Tong Fuk village and Pui O bus terminus.

The Drainage Services Department responded by dispatching over 30 teams to clear drains and inspect 220 flood-prone locations across the SAR. Three flooded areas on Cheung Tung Road, South Lantau Road and in Tong Fuk were cleared up within two hours.

The heavy rain also caused visibility issues on Tsing Ma Bridge, prompting the Transport Department to advise drivers to exercise caution. Photos showed water dripping into MTR train compartments on the Tung Chung line.

More than 90 millimeters of rain was recorded in Cheung Sha of Lantau, and over 70 millimeters of rain was recorded in some parts of the New Territories.

The Observatory had initially issued an amber rainstorm signal at 10 am, but upgraded this to a red signal at 2.50 pm as the deluge continued. The red signal was in place for just over an hour before being downgraded back to amber at 4pm - that was then canceled half an hour later.

The Observatory said: "The trough of low pressure will continue to bring showers and thunderstorms to the Guangdong coast over the next few days, though the system was expected to weaken slightly."

"The weather will remain cloudy with occasional showers and a few thunderstorms today, with showers being heavier in some areas."

"The trough of low pressure will weaken slightly in the next couple of days, with showers persisting later on Thursday and Friday."

Residents were advised to remain alert for further potential inclement weather in the coming days.