News Summary
Hong Kong is on high alert as Super Typhoon Ragasa approaches, bringing destructive winds and rain. The storm, already devastating the Philippines, is expected to make landfall in Guangdong province. Local residents are preparing for severe weather, with school closures and flight cancellations affecting travel. As authorities take precautionary measures, the situation remains critical, especially for those already impacted by flooding and landslides in the Philippines.
Hong Kong is on high alert as southern Chinese cities brace for the impact of Super Typhoon Ragasa, which is expected to bring devastating winds and rain. The tropical cyclone has already wreaked havoc in the Philippines, where it has claimed three lives and displaced thousands due to severe flooding and landslides.
The Hong Kong Observatory classified Ragasa as a super typhoon, recording maximum sustained winds nearing 143 mph (230 kph). The storm is projected to move west-northwest at around 14 mph (22 kph), threatening to make landfall in the Guangdong province between Shenzhen and Xuwen on Wednesday. In preparation, the observatory plans to issue storm warning signal No. 8, indicating severe weather conditions.
As increases in water levels are expected—ranging from 2 to 4-5 meters (6.5 to 16.4 feet)—residents in vulnerable areas are taking precautionary measures. Many locals are placing sandbags and barriers at doorways and taping windows to mitigate possible damage. Supermarkets are reporting a heightened demand for supplies, leading to empty shelves as community members stockpile food and essentials.
School closures have spread across Hong Kong and Macao, with institutions in Shenzhen, Foshan, and Haikou also suspending classes. Furthermore, hundreds of flights have been canceled at the Hong Kong International Airport, and Shenzhen airport has ceased operations since Tuesday night, affecting travel substantially. The Macao government has activated its emergency response mechanism in anticipation of Ragasa’s approach, expected to pass within 62 miles (100 kilometers) south of the region.
The situation in the Philippines has been dire, with authorities reporting at least three fatalities, including a 74-year-old man who perished after being trapped in a vehicle by a landslide. Over 17,500 individuals have been displaced, prompting the Philippine government to close schools and public offices in the capital region and 29 provinces to better manage the crisis. All fishing vessels and ferries were prohibited from setting sail due to hazardous sea conditions linked to the storm.
In northern Cagayan Province, where Ragasa made landfall, extensive damage has been reported, with homes destroyed and fallen trees obstructing roads. A search and rescue mission is underway for six fishermen who went missing after their boat was overturned by massive waves. More than 24,000 people were evacuated from northern and central Luzon as a precaution.
Despite slightly weakening, Ragasa remains a robust Category 4 hurricane, maintaining gusts up to 295 kph (183 mph). In light of the looming storm, officials in Shenzhen are planning to evacuate approximately 400,000 residents from at-risk areas. Authorities in Guangdong are preparing for not only fierce winds but also heavy rain, with predictions suggesting accumulations of up to 280 mm (11 inches).
Emergency measures in Guangdong have already led to the suspension of rail services throughout the province starting from midday Tuesday. As Ragasa’s outer bands have begun to affect Taiwan, video footage illustrates rough seas and powerful winds. State weather services in Taiwan are cautioned about the impending impact, forecasting extreme rainfall in eastern regions.
This extraordinary weather event has captured attention globally, with images of Ragasa taken from space by Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui aboard the International Space Station, underscoring the storm’s significant scale and potential for destruction.
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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 INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion 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 Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
