In a dramatic response to the ferocity of Typhoon Ragasa, authorities in China’s southern Guangdong Province have evacuated more than one million people. This powerful storm has already wreaked havoc in the Philippines, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. As reported by Chinese state media, over 38,000 firefighters and 400 emergency teams have been mobilized to prepare for a direct hit from Ragasa, which has been labeled the most powerful storm of the year.
Typhoon Ragasa made its initial landfall in the Philippines on Monday, before temporarily retreating to the sea. The storm then struck Hong Kong early Wednesday, causing significant flooding in coastal areas and unleashing intense rain and winds that uprooted trees. The China Meteorological Administration anticipates that Ragasa will continue its westward trajectory, making a second landfall in western Guangdong on Wednesday evening.
On Tuesday, Ragasa's devastating path crossed southern Taiwan, resulting in the tragic deaths of 15 individuals and leaving 17 others missing, according to updates from local authorities. The island's emergency department reported that raging floodwaters caused a bridge collapse, leading to widespread evacuations — more than 8,000 people were displaced. Social media has been inundated with videos showcasing the dire situation, including footage of residents trapped in their homes and vehicles being swept away by violent floodwaters. In one particularly harrowing clip, a woman clung to a utility pole, desperately avoiding the chest-high waters.
The impact of Typhoon Ragasa extended to transportation, with at least 600 flights canceled at Hong Kong International Airport, affecting major carriers like Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines. Despite the cancellations, the airport reported that its runways remained operational, with select restaurants and shops staying open 24 hours to assist stranded travelers. On Tuesday alone, the airport managed to handle approximately 600 flights, ensuring no passengers were left in restricted areas.
In Shenzhen, flight operations were suspended on Tuesday evening, with plans to gradually resume by 8 p.m. on Wednesday. By Wednesday afternoon, Hong Kong authorities confirmed that 62 individuals had sustained injuries, and hundreds of trees had fallen due to the storm's ferocity. Videos circulated online showcased seawater inundating businesses in Hong Kong, including the seaside Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel, where a sudden surge knocked a guest off their feet.
Anna Cholewka, owner of Bistro La Baie, described her shock upon witnessing CCTV footage of seawater crashing through her restaurant's doors. “We put a lot of thought into this place to serve the food that we love to this community. It’s just gone now. It hurts,” she lamented, reflecting on the damage inflicted by the storm surge that flooded her establishment.
Experts have noted that typhoons in the Western Pacific have intensified due to rising sea and atmospheric temperatures, a phenomenon linked to climate change. Shun Chi-ming, former director of the Hong Kong Observatory, explained that this warming trend has resulted in heavier rainfall during typhoons. Although Ragasa skirted Hong Kong by 75 miles, minimizing severe damage in the city, experts predict that mainland China will face more substantial impacts.
In anticipation of the storm, Hong Kong officials prepared extensively. Disneyland Resort closed its doors, horse races were canceled, and educational institutions suspended classes. Residents stocked up on supplies, emptying supermarket shelves, while maintenance teams erected flood barriers and secured outdoor features. Meanwhile, the gambling hub of Macau announced temporary casino closures starting Tuesday evening.
As Typhoon Ragasa moves on, it is forecasted to continue westward, potentially affecting regions in Vietnam and Laos later this week. The aftermath of the storm is still evident in the Philippines, where approximately 40,000 individuals remain in evacuation centers. Local authorities reported four fatalities, including one person who died due to a landslide, alongside 11 injuries and one missing person. Moreover, around 34 bridges, primarily on Luzon Island, sustained damage that rendered them impassable.
Reporting from Shanghai was contributed by Li You, with additional insights from Jason Gutierrez in Manila.
