Hong Kong's infrastructure and transport systems are truly world-class. But the true test of how robust they are comes when there is a crisis. Officials claim we are ready for emergencies, such as those caused by adverse weather conditions. But yesterday's shut-down of the main road link to the airport and widespread flooding raises questions about how well prepared our city really is.

A trough of low pressure over the South China Sea has contributed to severe rainfall in the past few days, leading to a black rainstorm warning yesterday. A record one-hour burst of rain fell in Tsim Sha Tsui and there were prolonged downpours across Hong Kong. Flooding and landslides are common in Hong Kong, especially during the rainy season. But conditions were especially bad yesterday. Almost 40 landslides and 156 floods were reported by noon. Two people died after being buried in a landslip near Cafeteria Old Beach in Tuen Mun. Traffic was paralysed in parts of Wan Chai, Sheung Wan, Aberdeen and Happy Valley. At the airport, more than 150 flights were delayed or otherwise disrupted.

One big concern is that the key North Lantau Highway linking the Tsing Ma Bridge to the airport was shut down by severe flooding and landslides, leaving cars and passengers stranded in scenes that resembled a disaster zone. The closure of the highway meant cutting off a major artery of our city. It was the first time this had happened since the opening of the airport at Chek Lap Kok. Highways Department officials said landsides and flooding had blocked not only the road surface but drains along sections of the highway. Cleaning this up was difficult because of the amount of debris that had flooded into drains. It was fortunate that MTR services were relatively unaffected and that it was able to increase the frequency of trains to the airport. Passengers were not unduly affected yesterday, but freight trucks were seriously disrupted.