Elderly man struck by lightning in Hong Kong as Observatory warns of serious flooding
- At about 7.20pm, a 77-year-old expatriate man on Lamma Island was struck by lightning and suffered shoulder and chest injuries
- Observatory issued amber alert at 7.35pm, meaning heavy rain had fallen or was expected to fall generally over Hong Kong
An elderly man was in critical condition after being struck by lightning in Hong Kong on Tuesday evening shortly before an amber rainstorm warning was issued.
The Hong Kong Observatory had warned of serious flooding in parts of Hong Kong Island, saying more than 70mm of hourly rainfall had fallen or was expected in Southern district, and residents should take necessary precautions.
From 7pm to 8pm, most of Hong Kong Island experienced 30mm to 40mm of rain, with areas including Tai Tam and Aberdeen seeing more than 40mm. Parts of Lamma Island were also hit by 30mm to 40mm of rain.
On Lamma Island, a 77-year-old expatriate man was hit by lightning at a coastal spot at Sok Kwu Wan at about 7.20pm. The Briton, who suffered shoulder and chest injuries, had been on a speedboat with his wife. He was taken to Aberdeen marine police base before being transferred to Queen Mary Hospital in Pok Fu Lam.
The amber alert was issued at 7.35pm, meaning heavy rain had fallen or was expected to fall generally over Hong Kong, exceeding 30mm in an hour and was likely to continue. The warning signal was cancelled at 8.45pm.
Meanwhile, a thunderstorm warning was issued at 5.55pm and remained in force until 10pm. Intense gusts of around 70km/h were recorded at outlying island Cheung Chau at about 7.40pm.
