Today's News: Black Rainstorm Warning in Effect; Public Housing Allocations Set to Hit 10-Year High
The Hong Kong Observatory issued a Black Rainstorm Warning Signal today (June 18), leading to the suspension of various public services and medical facilities. Meanwhile, the Housing Authority announced estimates for future public housing allocations, with the number of units expected to reach a ten-year high, bringing good news to applicants.
As the Black Rainstorm Warning is in effect (indicating that Hong Kong is experiencing heavy rain exceeding 70 mm per hour), several government departments have announced service adjustments. Regarding medical services, specialist out-patient clinics, family medicine clinics, and psychiatric day hospitals under the Hospital Authority have suspended services, and Department of Health clinics are also closed. The Judiciary announced that all court hearings originally scheduled for 12:00 noon today or later will be adjourned. Furthermore, the Transport Department's driving test centers have suspended services, and the Hong Kong Wetland Park has also been closed.
To cope with the severe weather, the Home Affairs Department has opened temporary shelters for those in need. The Social Welfare Department stated that centers providing day care, youth, elderly, and rehabilitation services will remain open, but urged the public to visit only if conditions are safe. Relevant departments also reminded citizens to avoid country parks, beaches, or water activities to prevent flash floods or accidents.
Regarding livelihood policies, the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) has approved the public housing allocation estimates for the 2026/27 financial year. It is estimated that approximately 30,200 units will be available for allocation during that year, an increase of more than 6,000 units compared to the previous year. Among these, about 23,300 units are reserved for public housing applicants. This estimate marks a new high in nearly ten years, indicating the government's efforts to increase housing supply and shorten waiting times.
For more details on service arrangements under the weather impact or to view the specific categories of public housing allocation, please visit the "News" section of the app. You can check the list of affected clinics as well as the specific locations of temporary shelters in various districts.