Super Typhoon Ragasa: Philippines Lashed, Hong Kong and China Brace for Impact
Super Typhoon Ragasa, one of the strongest storms of the year, has already caused significant damage in the northern Philippines, leaving at least three dead and forcing thousands to evacuate. Now, it's barreling towards Hong Kong, Taiwan, and southern China, prompting widespread preparations and heightened alerts.
Philippines Grapples with Aftermath
Ragasa made landfall in the Philippines on Monday, bringing sustained winds of up to 215 kilometers per hour (134 mph) and gusts reaching 295 km/h (183mph). The storm has knocked out power, ripped roofs off buildings, and triggered flooding and landslides.
- More than 10,000 Filipinos have been evacuated across the country.
- Government work and classes were suspended in the capital, Manila, and 29 provinces in the northern Luzon region.
- At least three people have died due to flooding and landslides.
The typhoon struck as the Philippines is grappling with public anger over alleged corruption in flood control projects. Thousands protested on Sunday, highlighting the vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events.
Hong Kong and China Prepare for the Worst
Hong Kong is bracing for hurricane-force winds as Super Typhoon Ragasa approaches. Officials have warned of a "serious threat," comparing the potential impact to devastating storms like Hato in 2017 and Mangkhut in 2018.
- Cathay Pacific is cancelling all scheduled flights to and from Hong Kong for 36 hours.
- Shenzhen, a major tech hub in southern China, plans to evacuate around 400,000 people.
- Schools and businesses are expected to shut down as the storm approaches.
Authorities in Guangdong province have activated flood control measures and warned of heavy rainfall. Residents are being urged to stockpile emergency supplies and reinforce their homes.
Taiwan Issues Warnings, Vietnam on Alert
Taiwan's state weather service has predicted "extremely torrential rain" and issued land and sea warnings. Some coastal and mountainous areas, as well as outlying islands, have ordered closures.
Vietnam's Defence Ministry has ordered its forces to monitor the storm and prepare for possible landfall later this week.
Travel Advisories and Climate Change Concerns
The Government of Canada has issued a travel warning for Canadians headed to the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Macao, urging them to exercise caution. The advisory highlights the risk of disrupted essential services due to potential floods and landslides.
Scientists warn that climate change is intensifying tropical storms, leading to stronger winds and increased flooding. The recent intensification of Super Typhoon Ragasa underscores these concerns.
| Region | Impact | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Philippines | Widespread flooding, landslides, power outages, casualties | Emergency response underway, evacuations ongoing |
| Hong Kong | Anticipating severe winds, flight cancellations, disruptions to daily life | High alert, preparations for potential damage |
| China (Guangdong) | Heavy rainfall, potential flooding, mass evacuations | Flood control measures activated, evacuations planned |
| Taiwan | Torrential rain, flash flooding, disruption to transportation | Land and sea warnings issued, precautions advised |
Super Typhoon Ragasa poses a significant threat to millions of people across East Asia. The storm's trajectory and intensity are being closely monitored as authorities work to minimize its potential impact.
