Rainstorms cause havoc in Taipa and Cotai

The rainstorms that hit Macau yesterday afternoon, with the passage of typhoon Podul, caused havoc in several areas of Taipa and Cotai.

Significant flooding was recorded at Caminho das Hortas, Rua de Fernão Mendes Pinto (the area surrounding the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory), and at the Seac Pai Van roundabout in Coloane.

According to footage from flood surveillance cameras obtained by the Times, flooding started between 1:30 and 2 p.m., at the time the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) increased its rainstorm level from yellow to red and then to black (the highest level).

The second black rainstorm warning of the year yesterday lasted three hours and 48 minutes – the longest on record.

The SMG reported that the highest rolling hourly rainfall reached 110 mm at the Ka Ho station, marking the third-highest hourly total in the city’s history.

The highest level was seen at Caminho das Hortas in Taipa, where the water level reached about 1 meter.

Official data from the SMG shows the flood level at Rua de Fernão Mendes Pinto was the second highest, reaching about 50 centimeters at the peak of the rainfall.

Concurrently, SMG equipment recorded around 30 centimeters of water above the pavement at Seac Pai Van, although in certain areas the water level surpassed this measurement.

Observations from the same flood surveillance cameras showed that the flood started to recede, although slowly, only around 3:30 p.m.

According to SMG data, around 4 p.m., the flood level at Caminho das Hortas had dropped from almost 1 meter to below 50 centimeters. However, the roads in the area remained impassable for an extended period.

A high quantity of rainwater fell over the Taipa Grande hill, contributing to the flooding at Caminho das Hortas in Taipa.

According to footage and photos posted by citizens on social media, the rainwater also caused mudslides and sent rocks onto the road at Estrada Ponta da Cabrita, in front of the Sa Kong Cemetery in Taipa.

Several vehicles were stranded in the floodwaters because drivers attempted to cross flooded roads. Footage from citizens also showed pedestrians risking themselves in the murky waters, although the authorities have not reported any injuries.

At around 4 p.m., a Public Security Police Force (PSP) update noted that Avenida de 5 de Outubro (Coloane) and Estrada de Seac Pai Van were still closed to road traffic, as was the section of Estrada do Istmo between the Reservoir and Estrada Flor de Lotus, as well as Caminho das Hortas in Taipa.

Other areas of Taipa were also affected by partial closures or traffic constraints due to excessive water, rocks, or debris on the pavement.

Consequently, many bus routes, particularly those between Macau and Taipa village and from Macau or Taipa to Coloane, were affected for several hours.

Some drivers had to make emergency detours, skipping several stops or altering the regular bus route to continue operating.

Due to the inability to perform their regular routes, many buses accumulated and stopped at Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen in Taipa, completely blocking traffic circulation on this street for several minutes.

The PSP also reported issues at Avenida de Wai Long, the airport surroundings, and the CEM power plant in Coloane. According to the same force, the only location significantly affected on the Peninsula was the underground car park of the Ferreira do Amaral roundabout, which was temporarily closed due to flooding.

Flooding occurred in several private venues, including hotel entrances and car parks in the Cotai area. At least one VIP room of a Cotai casino was also affected by the rain, which poured directly onto a gaming table, as seen in footage posted on social media.

No flooding was reported in the Inner Harbour or other low-lying areas of the Peninsula, demonstrating the effectiveness of recently completed flood prevention measures and equipment, including the installation of box culverts and pumping stations in several locations.

Data collected by SMG showed that several weather stations recorded very high rainfall levels. By 5:30 p.m., Ka Ho station had reported 271.2 mm of rain, followed by Taipa Grande with 256.6 mm.

Less rain fell on the Peninsula, but all stations, except the one at Sun Yat Sen Municipal Park, recorded precipitation levels over 100 mm.

On the Peninsula, the Outer Harbour station collected the most precipitation (141.8 mm), followed by Barra (133.4 mm).