Hong Kong: High pollution levels persist

Event

Hong Kong's Environmental Protection Department reported on Sunday, July 30, that "very high" levels of pollution in Hong Kong posed a serious health risk.  Subsiding air from Typhoon Nesat and Tropical Storm Haitaing have induced light continental winds that have hindered the dispersion of pollutants. High concentrations of ozone are also reported in the Pearl River Delta region.

Additionally, forecasters predict that tropical storms will likely intensify in August – typically the rainiest month in Hong Kong – following a July that brought 50 percent more rain than usual.

Context

Hong Kong’s rainy July came amid what was already considered a wet year, with nearly 20 percent more rain falling from January to July 2017 than the average for the same period. On July 17, the Hong Kong Observatory issued an "amber" rainstorm warning, with heavy rain resulting in flooding in low-lying areas and zones with poor drainage systems.

In late May 2017, the Kwai Tsing and Sham Shui Po districts were submerged under 10 cm (4 in) of water following heavy rain and thunderstorms. A runway was temporarily closed at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).

Advice

Individuals present in Hong Kong are advised to keep abreast of the situation and to limit strenuous outdoor activities until pollution rates fall. In the event of flooding, remember that driving or walking through floodwater can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.