A Tragic Day in Hong Kong: Floods and Landslides of June 12, 1966
On June 12, 1966, Hong Kong faced one of the most devastating natural disasters in its history. A severe rainstorm triggered widespread flooding and landslides, resulting in the loss of 64 lives, including two editors from the South China Morning Post (SCMP). Over 7,000 people were left homeless as a result of the disaster.
The storm began on Saturday evening and escalated into a deluge by Sunday morning. Streets turned into raging torrents, sweeping cars away like toys. The heavy rainfall caused 78 landslides across the island, destroying homes and blocking roads. Rescue operations were ongoing throughout the day, with officials working tirelessly to locate those still missing.
Among the victims were two journalists, John A. Stuart, 31, and Kevin William Murphy, 24, who were washed down a hillside while attempting to cross a flooded section of Magazine Gap Road. Both were members of the SCMP editorial staff. Their deaths highlighted the dangers faced by those trying to document the catastrophe.
The rainfall for the 24-hour period ending at midnight reached 15.06 inches, making it one of the wettest days in Hong Kong’s recorded history. Since January 1, the total rainfall had accumulated to 57.47 inches, compared to an average of 29.36 inches for the same period. The Royal Observatory reported that 4.36 inches of rain fell between 7 am and 8 am, marking the heaviest rainfall ever recorded for any month since observations began in 1884.
The underground sewer system overflowed, sending massive gushes of floodwater into already flooded streets. Rescue teams worked in pouring rain to save those trapped in landslide-damaged houses and to evacuate people from areas at risk of further landslides. However, their efforts were hampered by continuous rain, flooded streets, and broken telephone communications.
A Senior Education Officer and his family of four were believed to have been buried under tons of earth and rocks when part of the garage at Victoria Heights, Stubbs Road, collapsed. At least 15 cars were also buried in the debris. Search parties spent over five hours looking for the bodies but found no trace. The search was eventually abandoned due to the dangerous conditions.
Gushing waters continued to pose a threat, and members of the Public Works Department placed sandbags around Mr. C. Y. Shum’s garden to prevent further landslides. Part of Stubbs Road had been damaged, and the scene was described as extremely dangerous. The search would continue if the weather improved.
Late yesterday afternoon, the body of an 11-year-old European boy, Tommy Keenan, was recovered from the harbor near Stonecutters Island. He had been washed down a nullah on Saturday afternoon. Eyewitnesses reported that Mr. Stuart and Mr. Murphy were clinging to a line attached to a stalled Land Rover before both were swept away.
Two more people were reported buried in separate landslides late last night. One occurred on the hillside behind No 48 Tin Hau Temple Road at about 11 pm, and another took place in Leighton Road 15 minutes later. Sketchy reports from the New Territories indicated that five people had been killed in the Taipo area, including two young girls and a woman. Two others were killed in house collapses on Peng Chau and Tai O.
On Lamma Island, a family consisting of a husband, wife, and two children was buried when their hut collapsed. One child was rescued, while the other three remained missing. Reports from various parts of Hong Kong Island at midnight indicated no further serious flooding, but the police, Public Works Department staff, and other workers continued to work through the night to clear main roads.
Salvage and road-clearing operations involved military units such as the 1st Battalion South Wales Borderers, the 69th Gurkhas Independent Field Engineers Squadron, and landing craft from the 56 Squadron R.C.T. All schools were closed for the day due to the dangerous state of the roads. The Chinese and English school certificate and matriculation examinations were postponed, along with the London Degree and GCE examinations, which will be announced later today.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the resilience of those who work to save lives in times of crisis.
