Hong Kong and parts of southern China are bracing for the impact of Super Typhoon Ragasa, which is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rainfall to the region. The typhoon has already caused significant damage in the Philippines, where it made landfall on Monday, killing at least three people and displacing thousands more. The storm’s powerful winds and rough seas have prompted authorities to take precautions, with schools and businesses shutting down in anticipation of the storm’s arrival.
In Hong Kong, the Observatory has issued its third-highest typhoon warning, T8, warning of rapidly deteriorating weather conditions and strong winds. The city’s airport has suspended all flights, and Cathay Pacific has canceled over 500 flights. Residents are stocking up on food and supplies, and some are boarding up windows and doors to protect against the storm.
The Chinese government has also taken measures to mitigate the impact of the typhoon, with cities in Guangdong province, including Shenzhen and Zhuhai, shutting down schools and businesses. In Shenzhen, authorities have ordered the evacuation of 400,000 people from low-lying areas, and the city’s airport will halt all flights from Tuesday night.
The typhoon’s impact is expected to be significant, with storm surges of up to 4 meters predicted in some areas. The Hong Kong government has warned of a “serious threat” from the typhoon, comparable to the damage caused by super typhoons in 2017 and 2018. Scientists warn that storms are becoming more powerful due to climate change, making preparations and evacuations crucial to minimizing damage and loss of life.
