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Hong Kong and southern China battle widespread flooding from record rains

Published

2 years ago

2023/09/8

Priyan

A man walks past the debris of a landside in Hong Kong (pic BBC)

Hong Kong and southern Chinese cities are battling widespread flooding as the region endures some of its heaviest rainfall on record.

On Friday, streets and subway stations were under water in Hong Kong as officials shut schools and workplaces. The weather bureau said the downpour, which began on Thursday, is the biggest to hit the city in nearly 140 years.

Emergency services said more than 100 people had been taken to hospital and several rescues had taken place.

Pictures from the city on Thursday night showed the torrential rain turning streets into raging rivers, flooding shopping centres and public transport.

Videos on social media showed people climbing on to cars and other elevated platforms to escape the waters, which have risen several metres-high in some areas, blocking off subway entrances. The city’s cross harbour tunnel, a key route connecting the main island to the Kowloon peninsula in its north, was inundated. The rain also triggered landslides in Hong Kong’s mountainous areas – blocking some highways.

By Friday afternoon, the downpours had somewhat eased with authorities downgrading the rainstorm from a “black” warning to “amber” alert. But they warned showers were expected to persist until Saturday.

On Thursday, authorities had issued the black warning, which is triggered when rainfall exceeds 70mm an hour. The Hong Kong Observatory later that night reported an hourly rainfall of 158.1 millimetres, the highest since records began in 1884.

More than 200mm of rain was recorded on Hong Kong island, Kowloon and the north-eastern part of the city between 18:00 local time (10:00 GMT) and midnight – a total that exceeds the amount the entire city typically receives within certain months.

Heavy rain has also drenched southern China, with the city of Shenzhen – across the border from Hong Kong – reporting its heaviest showers since records began in 1952.

Hundreds of flights have been suspended in the wider Guangdong province, while local authorities advised residents in low-lying areas to consider evacuations.

Tens of millions of people live in the densely populated coastal areas of southern China.

On Thursday night, Shenzhen discharged water from its reservoirs after issuing a notice to Hong Kong – an action that raised questions from Hong Kong locals online as to whether this exacerbated their city’s flooding.

But Hong Kong’s security chief Chris Tang said on Friday the discharge had no impact on the city’s floods and the action was safe for both Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

China’s meteorological administration expects extreme rainfall to continue in the country’s southwestern region on Friday and Saturday. The latest downpour comes less than a week after two typhoons, Saola and Haikui, hit southern China in quick succession – and sparked a citywide shutdown in Hong Kong.

Climate change has increased the intensity and frequency of tropical storms, leading to an increase in flash flooding and greater damage.

(BBC)

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Sri Lanka grateful for the support extended by the United States and other friendly nations following the recent disaster – President

Published

9 mins ago

2025/12/11

Priyan

During a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat today (11), Ms. Allison Hooker, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, expressed her confidence in President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s leadership in steering Sri Lanka’s recovery and rebuilding efforts. She affirmed that the United States stands ready to provide any necessary support to assist Sri Lanka’s recovery.

Ms. Hooker also conveyed her condolences to the families of the victims of the disaster and expressed satisfaction at being able to extend assistance during this challenging period.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake conveyed his appreciation for the assistance provided by the President of the United States and the government in dispatching various relief teams to the country during this challenging period. The President also acknowledged the sincere support offered to Sri Lanka by all friendly nations globally, including the United States.

President Dissanayake highlighted that Sri Lanka encountered this disaster while the nation’s economy was on the path to stabilization and economic indicators were showing improvement. He emphasized the need for future focus on enhancing the livelihoods of those affected and on the long-term development of infrastructure facilities.

The President stated that restoring infrastructure, including highways and railways, as well as key income sources such as agriculture, livestock and small to medium-sized enterprises, which have been devastated by floods and landslides, will require time. He also expressed the expectation of support from all friendly nations in this effort.

The Under Secretary of State emphasized that the United States has drawn its attention to restarting discussions regarding US tariffs. Additionally, she expressed support for enhancing tourism between the United States and Sri Lanka, as well as for the growth of trade and maritime operations between the two nations. Furthermore, she highlighted U.S. support for Sri Lanka’s initiatives to combat drug-related issues.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake noted that a significant number of American tourists have visited the country recently and that Sri Lanka anticipates a continued increase in such arrivals. He acknowledged the support of the U.S. government in assisting the Sri Lankan people to overcome the ongoing disaster and improve their quality of life.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma and members of the U.S. diplomatic mission, including U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Ms. Julie Chang.

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Malwatta, Asgiriya deputy registrars and Diyawadana Nilame meet President

Published

14 mins ago

2025/12/11

Priyan

The Deputy Registrars of Malwatta and Asgiriya chapters commended the government, led by the President, for its initiative to rebuild the lives of the people and restore the country following the recent disaster, expressing their blessings for these efforts.

The remarks were made by Deputy Registrar of the Malwathu Maha Viharaya Chapter of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya, Rajakiya Panditha Darshanapathi Venerable Mahawela Rathanapala Thero, Deputy Registrar of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya & Chief Incumbent of the historic Badulu Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya, Ven. Dr.Muruddeniye Dhammarathana Thero and Diyawadana Nilame of the historic Kandy Sri Dalada Maligawa, . Nilanga Dela, during a meeting with the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (11).

The discussions focused on relief and resettlement activities for communities affected in the Kandy district.

The Diyawadana Nilame highlighted the role that the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic can play in supporting resettlement efforts.

In support of the rebuilding initiative, the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa also made a financial contribution to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund.

Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, was also present at the meeting.

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Ticket sales announced for 2026 T20 World Cup

Published

21 mins ago

2025/12/11

Priyan

Jasprit Bumrah with the trophy after India won the 2024 T20 World Cup [Cricinfo]

Tickets for the 2026 T20 World Cup will go on sale at 18.45 IST and Sri Lanka time (13.15 GMT) on December 11, with the tournament slated to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

Prices for phase one of the ticket sales start at INR 100 (USD 1.1) at some venues in India and LRK 1000 (USD 3.2), the ICC said on Thursday. The dates for phase two of the ticket sales will be announced soon. Tickets can be purchased at tickets.cricketworldcup.com.

“Phase I of ticket sales is an important milestone in our journey towards delivering the most accessible and global ICC event ever staged,” ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta said. “Our vision for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is clear: every fan, regardless of background, geography or financial means, should have the chance to access an in-stadia experience of world-class marquee cricket.

“With tickets starting from just INR 100 and LKR1000, we are putting affordability at the centre of our strategy. This is about opening the gates wide and inviting millions to be part of a global celebration of cricket, not as spectators from afar, but as active participants in the energy, emotion and magic that only a stadium can offer.”

The 2026 T20 World Cup will be contested by 20 teams and comprises 55 matches. The games start at 11am (0530 GMT), 3pm (0930 GMT) and 7pm IST (1330 GMT). The format for the tournament is the same as the previous edition in 2024, where the teams were divided into five groups of four each.

The first-round groups are as follows:

Group A: India, Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, Namibia
Group B: Sri Lanka, Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Oman
Group C: England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, Italy
Group D: New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada, UAE

The top two teams from each of the groups progress to a Super Eight phase, where they will be further divided into two groups of four each.

The Super Eight groups are as follows, assuming these teams qualify from the first round; if another team qualifies, they will take the place of the team from their group that failed to make it:

Super Eight Group 1: X1 (India), X2 (Australia), X3 (West Indies), X4 (South Africa)
Super Eight Group 2: Y1 (England), Y2 (New Zealand), Y3 (Pakistan), Y4 (Sri Lanka)

Each team will play the other three in their Super Eight group, with the top two from each group qualifying for the semi-finals. The two semi-finals are in Kolkata – or Colombo if Pakistan qualify – on March 4, and Mumbai on March 5. The final of the tournament will be played in Ahmedabad on March 8 – if Pakistan qualify, it will be held in Colombo.

[Cricinfo]