2008 June Hong Kong Rainstorm was a rainstorm in Hong Kong on June 7th, 2008, that caused flooding and landslides. It resulted in 2 deaths and 16 injuries. The Hong Kong Observatory recorded 145.5mm of precipitation at its headquarters from 08:00 to 09:00, setting the highest 1-hour precipitation record. 307.1mm of precipitation was recorded during the whole day.
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Precipitation
An active trough had been affecting the South China coast since May 29th, 2008. Around dawn on June 7th, rainfall arrived in Hong Kong. The rainfall mainly focused on Lantau Island, Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. The peak of the precipitation was from 08:00 to 09:00 in the morning. The Hong Kong Observatory recorded 145.5mm of precipitation, a record high, at its headquarters. Precipitation at Tung Chung for the entire day even surpassed 400mm. Former Chief Executive Donald Tsang, described it as "once in a century". The Civil Engineering and Development Department of Hong Kong estimated it as a "once in 1100 years" occurrence.
Rainstorm Signals
An Amber Rainstorm signal was issued at 05:15, and escalated to Red at 05:55. 112mm and 101mm of rain were recorded at the Eastern and Southern Districts respectively. 86mm was recorded at Sai Kung District. The Hong Kong Observatory eventually issued a Black Rainstorm Signal at 06:40 and it was sustained for 4 hours and 20 minutes. Red replaced Black at 11:00 and was then replaced by Amber at 11:30. All signals were cancelled at 13:30. A Landslide Warning was maintained from 01:00 June 7th till 12:00 June 8th.
New Territories (Excluding Lantau Island)
A retaining wall at Old Coffee Bay, Castle Peak Road, Tuen Mun fell and collapsed on a store with two residents. The two residents killed were cousins visiting from mainland China. Their bodies were not unearthed until 18:30 in the evening by firefighters despite efforts of nearby residents and firefighters.
Kowloon
A section of Hung Hom Road collapsed at 13:00 on June 8th due to heavy rainfall the day before, causing detours.
Hong Kong Island
1.5m flood was observed at Sheung Wan, as well as seawater back-flow. Village houses in Pokfulam were flooded, as were many roads, including Tai Hang Road, Pokfulam Road, Water Street and Hill Road, Wong Nai Chung Road, Tin Lok Lane and Wong Chuk Hang Road. A landslide was seen at Kennedy Town. 13 slopes were pronounced at high risk of landslide after the rainstorm.
Lantau Island
North Lantau Highway experienced the most severe flood ever. Major landslip occurred in Tung Chung, blocking all lanes of the highway. Ground commute between Tung Chung, airport and downtown was completely halted, except for train service.
Effects
- 326 landslips and 539 floods were reported
- 410 flights were delayed, 14 were canceled on June 7th
- Hong Kong Wetland Park and Disneyland Resort were temporarily closed in the morning
- Ngong Ping 360 service was halted
- All banks and judiciary organisations closed for the day
- The central allocation of primary school was delayed
- Many hiking trails were closed, detoured or permanently blocked, especially on Lantau Island