Super Typhoon Ragasa made landfall in the northeastern Philippines on Monday, unleashing destructive winds comparable to a Category 5 hurricane. This immense storm has already prompted widespread evacuations, shut down schools, and led to hundreds of flight cancellations across the region as it aggressively pushes westward towards Hong Kong and mainland China.
The Joint Typhoon Warning Center in Hawaii reported that Ragasa had sustained ferocious wind speeds of 160 miles per hour, solidifying its status as a Category 5 equivalent hurricane. Philippine authorities have issued dire warnings of “life-threatening conditions” as the typhoon is expected to sweep across Luzon, the country’s main island, throughout Monday.
Forecasters from the Philippines’ weather bureau predict severe flooding and landslides, with northern areas bracing for over 8 inches of rainfall. In response, more than 10,000 residents have been evacuated, and both schools and government offices in the capital, Manila, and other affected areas were closed on Monday.
Following its devastating impact on the Philippines, Ragasa is projected to continue its westward trajectory, passing just south of Taiwan before making its anticipated arrival in Hong Kong by Wednesday. Neighboring Guangdong Province in southern China is also preparing for the potential of widespread destruction from the approaching storm.
Taiwan’s fire agency confirmed the evacuation of approximately 3,500 people from its eastern and southern regions. As a precautionary measure, several national parks have been temporarily closed, and hikers were advised to leave the affected areas immediately.
An interactive map illustrated Super Typhoon Ragasa’s current position and projected path, showing its movement across the region and highlighting affected areas and wind speed forecasts.
In response to the escalating threat, Cathay Pacific announced the cancellation of over 500 flights, including all its arrivals and departures from Hong Kong International Airport from 6 p.m. Tuesday until 6 a.m. Thursday, local time. While the airport’s full closure has not yet been declared, Hong Kong’s education department has confirmed that schools will remain closed on both Tuesday and Wednesday.
A photo showed Hong Kong residents stocking up on supplies at a supermarket on Monday.
Authorities in Shenzhen, the major mainland Chinese city bordering Hong Kong, are planning to evacuate 400,000 residents from areas prone to flooding and have urged everyone to stock up on food and essential supplies. Additionally, rail operators in southern China have announced that train services in Guangdong Province will be significantly reduced starting Tuesday afternoon, with a complete suspension expected by Wednesday.