The Hong Kong government has said sudden drain blockages during rainstorms “cannot be eliminated” despite frequent inspections and cleaning. It comes after multiple parts of the city saw floods and torrential rain in recent weeks.
The Drainage Services Department confirmed on Thursday that six areas in Hong Kong remained flooded as of 5pm, after the Hong Kong Observatory issued the fifth black rainstorm warning of the year that morning as Tropical Cyclone Podul skirted the city.
Heavy rain continued to affect different parts of the territory as the highest rainstorm signal was later lowered to red and then amber that day.
The western part of Hong Kong Island was particularly hard-hit by the rainstorm. Among the six flooding reports were areas of Pok Fu Lam Road near Queen Mary Hospital; Pok Fu Lam Road near the University of Hong Kong; and Water Street in Sai Ying Pun. The other flooded areas included Lung Fu Road in Tuen Mun; South Lantau Road near Lai Chi Yuen Village; and Ham Tin Village in Pui O.
Heavy downpours thrash city
Flooding has become a frequent sight in Hong Kong in recent weeks as heavy downpours hit the city. Last Tuesday, the city’s fourth black rainstorm signal of the year was hoisted, with the Observatory recording 358.8 millimetres of rainfall at its Tsim Sha Tsui headquarters – the highest daily rainfall in August since records began in 1884.
According to the Drainage Services Department, Hong Kong is home to around 240 flood-prone locations. The city has adopted a “three-pronged flood prevention strategy” – intercepting water flow, storing floodwater, and dredging.
Acknowledging public concerns over why flooding still occurs during heavy rain, the department said on Thursday that most cases were caused by large amounts of leaves, branches, and debris being washed into roadside gullies and inlets in low-lying areas, resulting in blockages.
Rainwater was therefore unable to reach the underground stormwater collection and drainage system, the department said.
“Although relevant departments – including the Drainage Services Department, the Highways Department, and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department – conduct frequent inspections and cleaning of roadside gullies and inlets, sudden blockages during rainstorms cannot be eliminated,” a Facebook post by “Drainy,” managed by the Drainage Services Department, read.
The department vowed to maintain “close communication” with the Observatory and the Highways Department, and to dispatch response teams rapidly in case of flooding emergencies. It also appealed to the public to keep drainage channels clear at all times and not to place objects that could block drain inlets.
Earlier this month, Leung Wing-mo, former assistant director of the Observatory, told HKFP that climate change has exacerbated weather fluctuations and that the city can expect more extreme weather.
The Hong Kong government was urged to strengthen its policies to tackle the climate crisis following a key advisory ruling by the United Nations’ top court last month. The landmark decision ruled that countries are legally bound to reduce their emissions, as well as compensate those affected by the climate crisis. It asserted that there was an “urgent and existential threat” to humanity, with greenhouse gas emissions “unequivocally” caused by human activity.
