Super Typhoon Ragasa moved towards the coastal areas of Hong Kong and China. Schools and offices closed, hundreds of flights cancelled. Threat of floods, landslides, and rising sea levels; local administration expedited emergency preparations.
Ragasa: Super Typhoon Ragasa poses a severe threat to China at this time. According to weather department reports, this typhoon has a maximum speed of 230 kilometers per hour and is rapidly moving from the South China Sea towards the northern parts. Schools have been closed in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and surrounding areas, hundreds of flights have been cancelled, and people are preparing to stay safe from the storm.
Ragasa's Previous Impact
Ragasa had already wreaked havoc in the Philippines, where three people died and thousands were left homeless. Incidents of floods and landslides disrupted daily life in various provinces of the Philippines. In Taiwan, too, the typhoon's impact resulted in six injured, over seven thousand people displaced, and eight thousand homes losing power.
According to the Hong Kong Observatory, Ragasa is expected to make landfall on Wednesday between Shenzhen and Shanwei County in China's Guangdong province. The typhoon's speed is 22 kilometers per hour, and a Level 3 alert has been issued for Hong Kong. Officials state that this alert level may be further raised by Wednesday morning.
Threat of Rising Sea Levels
Due to the typhoon, sea levels are expected to rise in Hong Kong. Experts predict that the water level could increase by up to two meters, and in some places, it might reach four to five meters. Similar conditions occurred during Typhoons Hato and Mangkhut in 2017 and 2018, which caused significant economic damage.
The coastal areas of Hong Kong and Guangdong could be severely affected by the typhoon's impact. Local residents are making preparations such as sandbags, barriers, and taping windows to protect their homes and shops.
Schools and Offices Closed, Flights Cancelled
In view of the typhoon threat, schools and offices have been closed in Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen, Foshan, and Haikou in Hainan province. Hundreds of flights have been cancelled in Hong Kong, and Shenzhen Airport has halted all flights since Tuesday night. Emergency measures have been implemented in Macau as the typhoon is expected to pass 100 kilometers south of Macau.
Crowds increased in markets since Monday, as people rushed to buy essential supplies, leading to limited stock in some places. The local administration has appealed to people to stay in safe places and avoid unnecessary outdoor movement.
Ragasa's Impact in the Philippines and Taiwan
In the Philippines, Super Typhoon Ragasa resulted in three deaths and five missing persons. Over 17,500 people were displaced due to floods and landslides. A 74-year-old elderly person was buried and killed in a landslide in Tuba town, Benguet province. One person also died in Kalayaan, Cagayan province.
The typhoon's impact was also observed in Taiwan, where six people were injured, over seven thousand were displaced, and more than eight thousand homes lost power. The government had already exercised caution and relocated people to safe areas.
Extensive Preparation Efforts in China
China's national meteorological agency has warned of the possibility of severe devastation in the coastal areas of Guangdong province. Local administration has activated emergency services. Special teams have been prepared to evacuate people to safe locations and monitor flood-affected areas. Authorities in Hong Kong and Macau have also closed schools and offices. Local residents have been advised to stay in safe shelters within their homes and store essential supplies.
