The core of Typhoon Ragasa, now recognized as the year’s most potent storm globally, skirted south of Taiwan on Tuesday, leaving a tragic trail of two fatalities and dozens unaccounted for. Meanwhile, cities like Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and other parts of southern China were in a state of high alert, with residents rushing to secure supplies as the storm bore down.
An interactive map illustrating the forecast path and intensity of Typhoon Ragasa. Data indicates current wind speeds of 132 mph (115 knots) with gusts up to 161 mph (140 knots). The typhoon is currently centered near 21.1N 114.8E, moving west-northwest at 14 mph, with Hong Kong approximately 65 nautical miles from its current position.
Torrential rains in Taiwan unleashed severe flooding, causing a bridge to collapse, as reported by the island’s emergency services late Tuesday. Floodwaters left many trapped in their homes or atop vehicles. The casualties and missing persons were primarily from Hualien County in the east, with nearly 8,000 people evacuated across Taiwan.
After its initial landfall in the northern Philippines on Monday, Ragasa ventured back into the open sea, setting a course for southern China. This impending impact triggered hundreds of flight cancellations, widespread evacuations, and the temporary shutdown of major attractions like Hong Kong Disneyland and Macau’s bustling casinos.
China’s National Meteorological Center anticipates Ragasa’s second landfall on Wednesday near Shenzhen, a significant technology hub bordering Hong Kong. Shenzhen authorities have announced plans to evacuate 400,000 people and close the city’s airport by 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
Earlier on Monday, Ragasa briefly attained staggering sustained wind speeds of 165 miles per hour. However, it has since been reclassified as a formidable Category 4 storm.
Regional experts warn that the frequency and intensity of typhoons in the area are increasing, and officials are bracing for Ragasa to be one of the most devastating storms in recent memory. Forecasters at the Hong Kong Observatory suggested the damage could rival that of Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018, which famously shattered hundreds of skyscraper windows. Hong Kong’s second-highest official, Eric Chan, labeled the typhoon a “serious threat” to the city.
In Hong Kong, the precautionary measures were extensive: Disneyland was shut down, horse races were called off, schools were closed, and office workers were sent home early. Supermarket shelves were quickly depleted as residents rushed to stock up on essentials.
Over 600 flights from major carriers have been canceled at Hong Kong International Airport. Despite the cancellations, the airport confirmed its runways would remain operational, and some dining and retail establishments would stay open 24 hours to cater to stranded travelers. Taiwan also reported 270 canceled flights.
The renowned gambling destination of Macau announced that its casinos would temporarily cease operations starting Tuesday evening.
Following its predicted impact on China, the storm is projected to continue its westward trajectory, potentially affecting Vietnam and Laos later in the week.
In the Philippines, the national weather bureau reported on Monday that Ragasa had already triggered heavy rains and landslides in northern regions, many of which were still recovering from the effects of previous storms.