Hong Kong ‘Black Storm’ disrupts Stock Exchange
A morning like no other in the City of Hong Kong as rainstorm levels brought the Stock Exchange, schools and businesses to a complete standstill
For the first time this year, Hong Kong announced a ‘Black rainstorm’ warning, one of the highest storm levels in the City.
Lasting just under three hours, the storm disrupted schools, flights, court hearings and the Stock Exchange, halting securities and derivatives markets as a result of the extreme weather.
Morning trading sessions were closed after a landslide was reported on the largest Island in Hong Kong, Lantau Island - further were reported in Cheung Chau Island.
Schools had to close for the day advised by authorities who had been told to cancel classes completely for safety reasons and Covid 19 vaccinations were also delayed by the storm.
The Hong Kong observatory issued the warning after rainfall exceeded 150 millimetres in several districts, whilst others saw at least 70 millimetres of rain.
The warning was lowered after 11 am local time from black to red until the warning was lifted completely, for trading to carry on by the afternoon.
The last time trading floors had stopped as a result of climate threats was last year October 2020, when tropical storm Nangka forced authorities to shut down schools and businesses.
More on
About the author
Lisa Hanley
Journalist
Lisa Hanley is an In - house Journalist working for The BCI. With a Masters degree in Televison Journalism from City, University of London, Lisa has previously worked as a Freelance Producer and Journalist for London Live, PA Media and Thomson Reuters Foundation. Her experience varies from producing documentaries, films and podcasts, to producing news packages for television and voiceovers for radio.
