HONG KONG, June 24 (Xinhuanet) -- Rainstorms continue on Friday, causing flooding and traffic congestion in widespread areas and delay of 89 airliners in Hong Kong.

    According to sources from the Airport Authority, 62 planes departing Hong Kong and 27 arrival planes have been delayed at least 15 minutes at Hong Kong International Airport by 14:00 local time (0600 GMT) Friday.

    The Hong Kong Observatory issued this year's first red rainstorm warning signal at around 10:00 a.m. (0200 GMT) which was then canceled in the afternoon.

    The Transport Department (TD) said traffic had been affected by flooding at various places due to heavy rains Friday morning.

    Under the red rainstorm warning, Airport Tunnel and various roads were suffering from flooding, resulting in closure of some road lanes. Traffic congestion was observed in Kowloon East and the situation could worsen if the bad weather continues. Relevant departments have been trying to drain off excessive water to help resumption of normal road usage.

    As roads around Cyberport in Pok Fu Lam were flooded, traffic congestion was also noted at the area.

    The department activated the Emergency Transport Co-ordination Center Friday morning upon issue of the rainstorm warning by Hong Kong Observatory, to closely monitor the traffic situations and maintain close communications with transport operators and relevant government departments for emergency actions when necessary.

    The Education and Manpower Bureau announced Friday morning thatas the red rainstorm warning is now in force, schools should implement contingency measures to ensure the safety of students. Enditem