First severe storm of the year shows Hong Kong’s response can be improved

The heavy downpours that triggered Hong Kong’s first red rainstorm warning of the year should wash away any complacency about risks and the need for better preparation in a world of rapidly shifting climate patterns. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries linked to Thursday’s chaos. But it was distressing to see flooded streets, stranded cars and children caught in heavy rain on their way to school.

Government departments involved in storm responses have clearly learned from weather woes in recent years. Drainage Services Department teams and high-capacity robotic “water-pumping dragons” were rapidly deployed. Sandbags, flood walls and drones had been prepared, following last year’s Super Typhoon Ragasa.

During the recent storm, city centres remained manageable but there was severe flooding across the northern New Territories. Video clips and photos posted on social media showed a KMB double-decker bus ploughing through severe flooding along Ping Che Road in Fanling. One clip showed muddy floodwater surging onto the lower deck and passengers taking off shoes before stepping out of the bus and into the water. At another scene, a private car and a taxi were half-submerged.