15th March 2025 – (Hong Kong) An Amber Rainstorm Warning issued by the Hong Kong Observatory at 3pm on Saturday brought intense winds and heavy rain to the city, briefly accompanied by reports of hail in Tai Po. The warning was cancelled by 4.35pm, but not before the extreme weather caused significant disruptions at the Greater Bay Area Coffee Festival held at Tseung Kwan O Waterfront Park.
Organised by the Youth Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, the office of District Councillor Angel Chong, and a local social services group, the festival saw two booths overturned by strong winds around 4pm. In a separate incident, a secondary school student cycling near the venue was struck on the shoulder by a falling speaker stand. Police reported the injured cyclist was treated at Tseung Kwan O Hospital, and event organisers confirmed that the student’s condition was stable.
District Councillor Angel Chong stated that, upon learning of the adverse weather, attendees were evacuated, and additional structural reinforcements were made to the booths. Although no injuries occurred within the festival grounds, Chong described the situation as “unexpected” given the sunny weather earlier in the day. Among the damaged booths was one operated by students, but quick action by staff prevented further hazards, such as shattered glass.
The festival, which began on Friday, featured coffee professionals from Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. Despite over 100 attendees enjoying the initial sessions, Saturday’s events were suspended due to safety concerns. Organisers are monitoring weather conditions to determine whether Sunday’s schedule can proceed.
Separately, at the festival’s opening ceremony, Secretary for Security Chris Tang praised Angel Chong for her community contributions and her personal journey. Tang highlighted Chong’s decision in 2018 to forgo an offer from a prestigious British university in favour of studying at Peking University, a choice he described as a deliberate effort to better understand China’s development. During the pandemic, Chong also volunteered at elderly care homes, demonstrating her dedication to public service.
