Hong Kong hit by 350mm of rain in 24 hours, while mountainous state of Uttarakhand badly affected by landslides and flooding
Large parts of Asia have been especially wet this week and the heavy rain is forecast to continue into next week. Hong Kong issued four black rainstorm warnings – the most times this warning has been issued in a single week.
The worst of the rainfall was on 5 August, with more than 350mm in 24 hours, the highest daily rainfall recorded in August since 1884. This caused widespread disruption on roads and flights.
The state of Uttarakhand in northern India was also hit by flash flooding and landslides as more than 200mm of rain fell within a day. One person has died and more than 50 people remain missing amid rescue efforts hampered by further heavy rain, which has made it more difficult to reach those areas in need.
Uttarakhand is highly susceptible to landslides and flooding, especially during the monsoon season. This is due to the mountainous terrain of the Himalayas, which intensifies the rainfall as moist air is forced upwards, combined with the steep-sided valleys.
