Severe weather disrupts air traffic in Hong Kong

ISTANBUL

Severe weather disrupted air traffic Tuesday in Hong Kong as intense rainfall caused the city to come to a halt, the South China Morning Post reported.

The Hong Kong Observatory issued its second-longest black rainstorm warning on record. Although the warning was downgraded to amber at 5.05 pm (0905GMT) and later canceled, public services were disrupted throughout the day, and authorities had to suspend classes.

So far, 101 flights have been delayed, two canceled and two diverted to other airports. The Education Bureau has received reports of damage at three schools, including flooding, leaks and fallen trees.

The Hospital Authority has resumed evening services at general outpatient clinics, with all clinics set to operate fully within two hours of the black rainstorm signal's cancellation.

The Drainage Services Department has dispatched 180 emergency teams, including 620 staff members and specialized pumping robots, to address flooding caused by the heavy rain.

As of the late afternoon, 24 out of 29 reported flooding incidents have been resolved, and the remaining areas are being prioritized for clearance.

The development comes as the torrential rains in China’s southern Guangdong province near Hong Kong disrupted traffic on Tuesday, with authorities increasing emergency measures as flood risks grow, according to state-run Xinhua News.

By 5 pm local time, three expressway sections, six major highways and 25 rural roads were closed. In response, Guangdong raised its flood emergency to Level II, the second-highest, after forecasts predicted more heavy rain and rising rivers.

Rain is forecast to continue Wednesday in parts of Guangdong, with conditions improving by Thursday.