Hong Kong Grapples with Record Rainfall and Storm Disruptions

Hong Kong experienced its fourth black rainstorm warning of 2025, lasting over eleven hours before being lifted on August 5th. The Hong Kong Observatory attributed the torrential rains to an active southwest monsoon and upper-air disturbances.

The storm brought intense rainfall, with hourly rates exceeding 100 mm in numerous areas. Tsuen Wan, Tai Po in the New Territories, and parts of northern Hong Kong Island were particularly affected. Widespread flooding caused traffic disruptions in several locations.

From midnight to 5 p.m. on August 5th, the Hong Kong Observatory recorded a total of 358.8 mm of rainfall, the highest single-day total for August since record-keeping began in 1884. Rainfall totals exceeded 300 mm in Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and Sai Kung.

The Drainage Services Department mobilized 180 emergency teams, comprising approximately 620 personnel and drainage robots. By Tuesday afternoon, 29 flooding cases had been reported, with 24 resolved.

The Fire Services Department responded to 42 incidents of people trapped in elevators, 175 automatic fire alarm activations, 36 reports of fallen trees, 7 landslide reports, and 69 flooding cases. The Home Affairs Department opened 15 temporary shelters for affected residents.

Despite the severe weather, the Hong Kong stock market continued normal operations due to arrangements implemented in 2024. The Hang Seng Index closed at 24,902.53 points, up 169.08 points, with a total turnover of HK$229.4 billion.

As the rainfall subsided and the warning was lifted, disrupted public services began to gradually resume.