Hong Kong logs ‘very hot weather’ for 66% of days since July 1, heatstroke hits poor indoors
- Survey finds subdivided flat tenants staying indoors are at risk of suffering heatstroke
A Post search of the Observatory’s records showed that 28 out of 42 days between July 1 and Sunday were covered by the warning, which is issued when the temperature hits 33 degrees Celsius (91.4 Fahrenheit).
Some of those living in the city’s notoriously cramped subdivided homes have borne the brunt of the steamy conditions in both their electricity bills and their health, with a survey finding many have shown symptoms of heatstroke.
One such resident, a 76-year-old surnamed Mok, said he had no choice but to use his air conditioner to stay cool.
“The only way to lower the temperature is to turn on the air conditioner. There’s no other choice but to pay higher bills, there’s no reason not to turn it on when it gets [this] hot. You can only reduce other expenses to pay electricity bills,” he said.
The retiree, who lives in a 50 sq ft subdivided flat on a rooftop in Kwai Chung, said his electricity bill hit HK$480 (US$61) last month, over HK$100 more than the same period last year.