The Hong Kong government has called on members of the public to report instances of street flooding as rain continues to affect the territory, according to a notice issued by the Information Services Department.
The advisory, released early Monday morning, directs residents who encounter street flooding to contact the Drainage Services Department via its 24-hour drainage hotline at 2300 1110. The announcement was issued for broadcast by radio and television stations at regular intervals.
The notice follows a weekend of weather-related disruptions across Hong Kong. On Sunday, the flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai was cancelled owing to a thunderstorm warning. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department also hoisted red flags at multiple beaches across Hong Kong Island, the Islands District, and Sai Kung, citing big waves and poor water quality forecasts linked to heavy rainfall. Separate red-flag warnings were issued for Silver Mine Bay Beach, Pui O Beach, and Ting Kau Beach, where forecast water quality was rated "Very Poor" due to potential transient fluctuations from heavy rain.
Hong Kong's rainstorm warning system, operated by the Hong Kong Observatory, issues alerts at three escalating levels — amber, red, and black — based on rainfall intensity and expected duration. The amber signal is triggered when rainfall exceeds 30 millimetres per hour, the red signal at 50 millimetres per hour, and the black signal at 70 millimetres per hour. Each level carries specific public safety recommendations, including shelter-in-place guidance during the highest tier.
The Drainage Services Department, which oversees the territory's stormwater drainage infrastructure, operates a network of flood monitoring stations and pumping systems across Hong Kong's 18 districts. The department has implemented a series of flood prevention upgrades in recent years, including drainage improvement works in flood-prone areas such as the Northern Metropolis and parts of the New Territories. These projects form part of the government's broader strategy to enhance the territory's resilience to extreme weather events, which forecasters expect to increase in frequency and intensity.
Hong Kong's rainy season typically spans from April to September, with June and August historically recording the highest monthly rainfall totals. The Hong Kong Observatory recorded above-average rainfall in May 2026, contributing to elevated soil moisture levels and an increased risk of surface flooding during intense downpours.
The public reporting hotline enables the Drainage Services Department to deploy response teams to affected locations and coordinate with other government agencies, including the Home Affairs Department and the Fire Services Department, when necessary. The department also maintains a real-time flood monitoring webpage and a mobile application that provides updates on road flooding and drainage conditions across the territory.
The government has advised residents to remain vigilant during rainstorm periods, avoid areas known to be prone to flooding, and report any street flooding they encounter by calling the 24-hour drainage hotline at 2300 1110.
Sources: HKSAR Government
