The spokesman for the hospital said that part of the A&E department was flooded due to the backflow of rainwater around 1 pm yesterday, moments after the amber rainstorm signal was hoisted.

Affected areas include the resuscitation room, some clinical areas in A&E and part of the ground floor at Operation Theatre Block.

Twelve patients had to be diverted to the Pok Oi Hospital and the Tin Shui Wai Hospital for treatment yesterday as A&E services were affected. Patients who visited the TMH's accident and emergency unit have to wait longer.

In addition, water leakage was also found on the rooftop of the Operation Theatre Block during the rainstorm. The obstetrics operating theatre services on the 9th floor were temporarily suspended. The hospital stated that it had reserved the operation theatres at the main block for backup.

Emergency maintenance was arranged, and the A&E services resumed normally as the repair works were completed at 4 pm.

TMH expressed apology to the patients for the inconvenience caused.