Hong Kong rainstorm forces partial closure at Link Reit mall as it seeks to assess damage, compensation for tenants

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Link Reit shut the lower ground floor of its shopping centre and the SOGO department store said it would be shut ‘until further notice’

Hong Kong received its heaviest rainfall since records began in 1884

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Rainwater flowed into Temple Mall under black rainstorm warning in Wong Tai Sin on 8 September 2023. Photo: Edmond So

Cheryl Arcibal

Published: 8:00pm, 8 Sep 2023Updated: 10:04pm, 8 Sep 2023

Hong Kong’s heaviest rainfall since records began in 1884 forced several malls to close on Friday as several parts of the city were paralysed by widespread flooding.

Mall owner and operator Link Reit announced closure of the lower ground floor of its shopping centre and SOGO in Hong Kong’s bustling shopping district of Causeway Bay said it would be shut “until further notice”.

Temple Mall North, a neighbourhood mall connected to the railway station and next to the Wong Tai Sin Temple where hordes of worshippers typically go to make their wishes during the Lunar New Year celebrations in Hong Kong, suffered unknown damage to its lower ground premises.

“We are concerned about the impact of the rainstorm on Temple Mall North, and are working with relevant government departments to ensure resident and merchant safety,” said Link Reit, Asia’s biggest real estate investment trust in a statement.

“On-site observations indicate that the flooding is primarily caused by rainwater pouring down from the high ground into the mall’s basement. The LG floor of Temple Mall North is currently closed, but the other floors are open as usual. Tenants can decide whether to resume business on their own,” it added.

Rainwater flows into Temple Mall under black rainatorm warning in Wong Tai Sin on 8 September 2023. Photo: Edmond So

No one was reported hurt or missing due to the flooding in the mall.

Hong Kong rainstorm forces partial closure at Link Reit mall as it seeks to assess damage, compensation for tenants

Link Reit shut the lower ground floor of its shopping centre and the SOGO department store said it would be shut ‘until further notice’ Hong Kong received its heaviest rainfall since records began in 1884

Link Reit shut the lower ground floor of its shopping centre and the SOGO department store said it would be shut ‘until further notice’

Hong Kong received its heaviest rainfall since records began in 1884