Editorial | Warning system must be reviewed in wake of Hong Kong rainstorm havoc
- Serious questions have been raised about Hong Kong’s emergency response and preparedness for storm and the extreme flooding that followed
The city is drying out and counting the cost of flooding after its heaviest rainfall in decades, which prompted authorities to maintain the black rainstorm warning for more than 15 hours. The deluge followed Super Typhoon Saola, barely allowing time for a clean-up.
That Hong Kong emerged relatively unscathed from the typhoon is testament to lessons learned and clear communication through early warnings. In that respect some serious questions have been raised about the city’s emergency response and preparedness for the rainstorm.
Officials say such rare rainstorms are hard to predict, as is the duration and extent of rainfall. But with climate change they could become more frequent.
It is good to hear Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu agree that the warning system may be reviewed and more information disseminated.
The downpour turned streets into rivers, overwhelmed drainage systems, flooded shopping malls, car parks and train stations, put more than 140 people in hospital and brought the city to a standstill. The consequences could have been worse.
