Typhoon Ragasa Brings Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen and Guangzhou to a Standstill – Here’s teh latest
Macau, shenzhen, and Guangzhou are preparing for the arrival of Typhoon Ragasa as it moves toward the South China Sea.
Widespread disruptions are already being felt across the region. Schools and businesses are closed, and flights have been grounded. Cathay Pacific announced the cancellation of all passenger flights to and from Hong Kong from Tuesday evening to Thursday morning. Hong Kong Airlines has also canceled dozens of flights. CNN reports that hundreds of flights in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and southern China have already been canceled.
The Hong Kong Observatory has warned of a “phenomenal” risk of storm surges up to four meters. Residents in cities including Zhuhai and Shenzhen have been rushing to supermarkets to stock up on essential supplies. Shenzhen is preparing to evacuate 400,000 people from low-lying areas, and Guangzhou is poised to issue its highest red alert. Public transportation in many cities has been suspended, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau mega bridge will remain closed.
Satellite images captured from space reveal the immense size of the storm as it traverses the South China Sea. Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, currently stationed on the International Space Station, shared striking images of ragasa’s swirling system.
Forecasts indicate that Ragasa will continue to weaken as it approaches Guangdong Province on Wednesday evening, likely downgrading to a Category 3 hurricane with winds around 115 mph (185 kph).
Despite this weakening, officials emphasize that the typhoon remains a critically important threat. They are warning of potential flooding, landslides, and storm surges as the storm makes its second landfall in southern China.
Rough seas are already impacting Hong Kong, and videos from Taiwan show large waves crashing onto the coastline. officials stress that even a weakened typhoon of this magnitude can cause substantial damage and disruption to millions of people in Guangdong, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong.
Orlando Bartolome Labio, a resident of Cagayan, highlighted the impact on agricultural workers, telling CNN, “Among the most affected are the farmers, including my parents. It’s a very sad event.”
Authorities are urging residents in Hong Kong, macau, and Guangdong to remain vigilant as the storm approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where did Typhoon ragasa first hit land?
It initially made landfall on Panuitan Island in the Cagayan province of the Philippines as a super typhoon.
How strong is Typhoon Ragasa right now?
The storm has weakened slightly and is currently a Category 4 storm with winds of approximately 140 mph (222 kph).
