‘Once-in-500-years’ storm brings demise and destruction to Hong Kong

Hong Kong and Shenzhen have been hit by an unprecedented “once-in-500-years” storm that introduced torrential rain, leaving demise and destruction in its wake.

The heaviest rain in Hong Kong’s recorded historical past, spanning 140 years, wreaked havoc on Friday, ensuing within the tragic deaths of two people and injuring over 100 individuals.

The neighboring Shenzhen, with its 17.7 million residents, was additionally severely affected.

In a grim collection of occasions, two males have been discovered floating unconscious in Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong, lower than two hours aside.

The first, an 87-year-old man, was found close to Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter.

Despite being rushed to Ruttonjee Hospital in Wan Chai, he was declared lifeless round 11:30 am, with the police attributing it to suicide. Shortly earlier than midday, one other man was discovered floating close to the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal, additionally succumbing to the relentless rain. Details concerning the second man stay unknown.

Videos circulating on social media depicted the gravity of the state of affairs, with water inundating streets, tunnels, and metro stations. The extreme climate circumstances prolonged their attain to Shenzhen, disrupting enterprise and transportation within the Pearl River Delta—an important financial area.

Hong Kong issued its highest “black” rainstorm warning, recording almost 8 inches of rain on the primary island. While the alert was lowered by 6 pm, authorities maintained considerations about ongoing flooding.

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, expressed his deep concern and instructed all departments to mobilize “all-out efforts” in response to the extreme flooding. As a consequence, faculties have been shut, staff have been suggested to remain dwelling, and the inventory trade remained closed.

Horrifying movies confirmed the Chai Wan district purchasing half-submerged underwater. In a separate incident, greater than 100 pigs close to the border with Shenzhen drowned within the flood. Residents have been additionally seen wading by knee-deep water whereas the Shenzhen railway station grew to become flooded, stranding roughly 100 individuals.

As Hong Kong and Shenzhen grapple with the aftermath of this unprecedented storm, the resilience of those cities will undoubtedly be examined as they work to rebuild and adapt to the challenges introduced by this “once-in-500-years” occasion.

Follow our social media accounts right here on facebook.com/ExpressUSNews and @expressusnews