City does not have special building regulations to guard against waves and floods, but planners have many ways to improve protection, they say.

Authorities say flooding will hit low-lying areas such as Lei Yue Mun in eastern Kowloon, Tai O on Lantau Island and Tai Po in New Territories.

Hongkongers scramble to move cars out of flood-prone areas, with coastal water levels expected to rise as high as five metres in Tolo Harbour.

Authorities say they received 22 reports of flooding as of late afternoon.

The government should review the experience and strive to further improve preparedness as the city is likely to face more testing times.

City does not have special building regulations to guard against waves and floods, but planners have many ways to improve protection, they say.