Coastal and low-lying areas across Hong Kong have been hit hard by Severe Typhoon Ragasa, as it brought a significant storm surge and rainstorms to the city, inundating streets and promenades.
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Widespread flooding could be seen across the city on Wednesday morning, with the Hong Kong Observatory reporting that water levels in some areas had reached up to 3.8 metres (12.5 feet) or more above chart datum, a specific water reference level for measuring tide heights.
Authorities said that as of 1pm, they had received 15 flooding reports, including Tseung Kwan O’s promenade.
“The storm surge brought by Ragasa caused a general rise of more than 1.5 metres in water levels over the territory,” the local forecaster said.
Water levels recorded at Victoria Harbour at one point reached about 3.4 metres above chart datum, while the peak levels at Tai Po Kau and Tsim Bei Tsui tide stations hit 3.8 metres above the reference mark, it said.
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In Tseung Kwan O, three harbourfront restaurants in the residential area suffered flooding, with the glass doors of Bistro La Baie shattering and being thrown wide open by the storm.