Coastal and low-lying areas across Hong Kong have been hit hard by Severe Typhoon Ragasa, as it brought a significant storm surge and rainstorms to the city, inundating streets and promenades.

Widespread flooding could be seen across the city on Wednesday morning, with the Hong Kong Observatory reporting that water levels in some areas had reached up to 3.8 metres (12.5 feet) or more above chart datum, a specific water reference level for measuring tide heights.

Authorities said that as of 3pm, they had received 16 flooding reports, with drainage efforts still underway for 10 of the cases, including those reported in Tseung Kwan O, Tai O in Lantau Island and near Shing Mun River in Sha Tin.

The other six cases, which were reported in areas such as Heng Fa Chuen and Lei Yue Mun, have been dealt with.

“The storm surge brought by Ragasa caused a general rise of more than 1.5 metres in water levels over the territory,” the local forecaster said.

Water levels recorded at Victoria Harbour at one point reached about 3.4 metres above chart datum, while the peak levels at Tai Po Kau and Tsim Bei Tsui tide stations hit 3.8 metres above the reference mark, it said.