News Summary
Hong Kong is gearing up for the arrival of Super Typhoon Ragasa, which has already caused devastation in the Philippines. With maximum sustained winds nearing 143 mph, the storm is expected to make landfall in Guangdong. Authorities are implementing emergency measures, schools are closed, and residents are stockpiling supplies. Disruptions to travel are also anticipated as flights are canceled and evacuations occur in vulnerable areas. The impact of Ragasa continues to unfold, raising concerns about safety and preparedness in the affected regions.
Hong Kong is bracing for the impact of Super Typhoon Ragasa, as southern Chinese cities scale back daily activities in anticipation of the powerful storm. The typhoon, which has already caused three deaths and displaced thousands in the Philippines due to flooding and landslides, is projected to make landfall in Guangdong province on Wednesday.
The Hong Kong Observatory has reported that Ragasa boasts maximum sustained winds near 143 mph (230 kph). The storm is expected to move west-northwest at approximately 14 mph (22 kph), closing in on the coast between Shenzhen city and Xuwen county. Authorities in Hong Kong are preparing for significant disruptions, with a storm warning signal No. 8—the third-highest in their alert system—expected to be issued.
As part of their preparations, residents have begun to secure their homes by placing sandbags and barriers at doors and taping windows. Panic buying has led to empty shelves in supermarkets as people stockpile food and other essential supplies. In response to the impending storm, schools across Hong Kong, Macao, Shenzhen, Foshan, and Haikou have canceled classes.
Travel plans have also been heavily affected, with hundreds of flights canceled in Hong Kong and the Shenzhen airport halting operations from Tuesday night. The Macao government has activated its emergency response mechanism, as Ragasa is expected to pass within 62 miles (100 kilometers) of the region. The Hong Kong International Airport is anticipating significant disruptions, predicting the cancellation of over 500 flights.
In preparation for heavy rainfall, which could accumulate to about 11 inches (280 mm), emergency measures are being implemented across Guangdong province. This includes the suspension of rail services throughout the province starting midday Tuesday. Officials in Shenzhen are planning to evacuate approximately 400,000 people from vulnerable areas as a precautionary measure.
The situation in the Philippines has been dire, with Ragasa having already wreaked havoc there. The storm has claimed the lives of at least three individuals, including a 74-year-old man who was trapped in a vehicle during a landslide. Over 17,500 people have been displaced, prompting the government to close schools and government offices in the capital region and 29 northern provinces. All fishing boats and ferries were prohibited from venturing out due to the perilous sea conditions.
Ragasa’s impact has been particularly severe in northern Cagayan Province—where the typhoon made landfall. Reports indicate homes have been destroyed and trees uprooted. A search and rescue operation is currently underway for six fishermen who went missing after their boat capsized in the rough waters. More than 24,000 people have been evacuated from northern and central Luzon in the Philippines in anticipation of the storm.
As the typhoon continues to weaken slightly, it remains a powerful Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of around 145 mph (230 kph). Video footage from Taiwan reveals rough seas and strong winds as the outer bands of Ragasa begin to affect the region. The state weather services in Taiwan have anticipated extremely torrential rain in eastern areas as they prepare for the incoming storm.
This unfolding situation is being closely monitored by authorities as they continue to implement necessary emergency measures and provide support to affected communities. The perils of Super Typhoon Ragasa serve as a stark reminder of the destructive power of natural disasters and the importance of preparedness in the face of such unpredictability.
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Additional Resources
- CNN: Southern China Prepares for Super Typhoon Ragasa
- Wikipedia: Typhoon
- China Daily: Typhoon Ragasa Updates
- Google Search: Super Typhoon Ragasa
- Al Jazeera: Super Typhoon Heads to Taiwan and Hong Kong
- Google Scholar: Typhoon Ragasa
- ABC News: China Cancels Schools and Flights for Typhoon
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Typhoon
- South China Morning Post: China Braces for Super Typhoon Ragasa
- Google News: Typhoon Ragasa
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
