Temperatures in Hong Kong’s subdivided flats soar as high as 40 degrees: survey

Temperatures in substandard housing in Hong Kong can hit as high as nearly 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), according to a study by two concern groups, which urged the government to provide an electricity allowance to tenants in summer.

CarbonCare InnoLab and Kwai Chung Subdivided Units Kai Fong Association, which polled 31 households living in substandard flats last month, said on Sunday that the average highest daytime temperature recorded in the homes was 30.8 degrees Celsius, with the mercury at a rooftop hut rising to as high as 39.9 degrees.

These temperatures were higher than the average of 29.6 degrees recorded by the Hong Kong Observatory, highlighting a severe urban heat problem in such properties.

“Subdivided flat tenants are suffering from the extremely hot weather, and the situation is particularly severe for those living in rooftop homes and flats in industrial buildings,” Tat Tai of the association said.

He added that high temperatures were made worse by the city’s humidity and the lack of airflow in subdivided flats, particularly those in industrial buildings and rooftop huts.

According to the survey, all respondents reported they had experienced symptoms of overheating, with 45 per cent reporting feeling very thirsty and 20 per cent experiencing headaches or an increased heart rate.