Rainstorms in Hong Kong Friday morning caused the delay of departure and takeoff of 64 airliners coming and from Hong Kong International Airport.

According to sources from the Airport Authority, 40 planes departing Hong Kong and 24 arrival planes have been delayed at least 15 minutes at Hong Kong International Airport by 12:00 a.m. Friday.

The Transport Department (TD) said traffic had been affected by flooding at various places in the territory due to heavy rain Friday morning.

Under the red rainstorm warning, Airport Tunnel and various roads were suffering from flooding, resulting in closure of some road lanes. Traffic congestion was observed in Kowloon East and situation could worsen if the bad weather continues. Relevant departments have been trying to drain off excessive water to help resumption of normal road usage.

As roads around Cyberport in Pok Fu Lam were flooded, traffic congestion was also noted at the area.

The department activated the Emergency Transport Co-ordination Center Friday morning upon issue of the rainstorm warning by Hong Kong Observatory, to closely monitor the traffic situations and maintain close communications with transport operators and relevant government departments for emergency actions when necessary.

The Education and Manpower Bureau announced Friday morning that as the red rainstorm warning is now in force, schools should implement contingency measures to ensure the safety of students. 

The announcement also said that schools which are in session should continue until the end of school hours.  But they should ensure that conditions are safe before students are allowed to return home.

(Xinhua News Agency June 24, 2005)