Hong Kong and southern China battle widespread flooding from record rains
Widespread flooding is sweeping Hong Kong and southern Chinese cities as the region experiences some of its heaviest rainfall on record.
In Hong Kong, streets and subway stations were completely underwater as officials shut schools and workplaces.
The downpour, which began on Thursday, is the biggest to hit the city in nearly 140 years, according to the weather bureau.
More than 100 people have been taken to hospital and several rescues have taken place.
Videos on social media show the torrential rain flooding shopping centres and public transport and show people escaping the waters by climbing on top of cars.
The rain also triggered landslides in Hong Kong’s mountainous areas – blocking some highways.
By Friday afternoon, the rainfall had eased a little with the rainstorm being downgraded from a “black” warning to an “amber” alert. But authorities say the showers were expected to persist until Saturday.
