Powerful Typhoon Ragasa Strikes Hong Kong After Devastating Philippines

Typhoon Ragasa Causes Widespread Disruption Across Hong Kong, Southern China, and the Philippines

A powerful typhoon known as Ragasa has unleashed its fury across Hong Kong, southern China, and the Philippines, bringing with it destructive winds, torrential rain, and significant disruptions to daily life. The storm has already caused casualties and extensive damage in several regions, prompting authorities to issue warnings and take emergency measures.

In the Philippines, Ragasa made landfall as a super typhoon, causing severe destruction. It hit Panuitan Island in northern Cagayan province, where homes were damaged, roads were cut off, and landslides occurred. The storm’s impact was particularly devastating in the Babuyan Islands, where conditions were described as "life-threatening" by the Philippine meteorological agency (PAGASA). Images from Calayan Island showed roofs torn from homes, fallen trees, and boats washed ashore. Search and rescue teams recovered three bodies after a fishing boat was overturned by a large wave, with six people rescued and four still missing.

In addition to the damage in the Philippines, the storm has affected Taiwan, where at least 14 people were killed due to a barrier lake breach in Hualien County. The incident led to widespread flooding, and video footage captured the collapse of a large bridge. Authorities in Hong Kong have also reported injuries, landslides, and multiple fallen trees as the typhoon approached the city.

Impact on Hong Kong and Surrounding Areas

As Ragasa neared Hong Kong early Wednesday morning, sustained winds reached typhoon strength, with some areas experiencing gusts of up to 118 kilometers per hour (73 miles per hour). This prompted Hong Kong and Macau to issue their highest typhoon warning signal, T10. The greatest storm surges and sea-level rises are expected later in the day, following the storm's closest approach.

The Hong Kong Observatory warned of "phenomenal" ocean swells and potential storm surges of up to 4 meters in some areas. Supermarkets in Hong Kong saw shelves emptied as residents stocked up on supplies, with similar scenes observed in Zhuhai and Shenzhen. Hundreds of flights have been disrupted across the region, with major airlines like Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines canceling numerous flights.

Authorities in Guangdong province have activated emergency responses, with entire megacities brought to a standstill. Schools, businesses, and public transport have been suspended in cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen, which together house millions of people. Officials in Shenzhen have prepared to relocate 400,000 residents from low-lying and coastal areas ahead of the storm.

Ongoing Threats and Evacuations

Ragasa is expected to continue weakening as it moves toward Hong Kong and southern China, but it remains a powerful typhoon with sustained winds of 215 kilometers per hour (135 mph), equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane. Heavy rainfall in excess of 200 mm (8 inches) is expected, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides.

In the Philippines, more than 24,000 people were evacuated from northern and central Luzon ahead of the storm. Video footage from Camiguin Island and Batanes province showed fierce winds and heavy rains, with rescue teams working to save families from the worst of the weather. A landslide in Benguet, Luzon, resulted in one fatality and several injuries, while the Philippines Coast Guard assisted in clearing debris from mud-caked roads.

Preparations and Response Efforts

Local authorities in Hong Kong have taken steps to ensure public safety, including rescuing individuals swept away by strong waves. On Tuesday afternoon, three people were rescued from the sea after a five-year-old boy and a woman were swept away near a harbor in Chai Wan. The boy’s father attempted to save them, and a passing sailor helped rescue the pair, while police and firefighters saved the man.

Additionally, the mega bridge linking Hong Kong, Macau, and Zhuhai will be closed from Tuesday, further restricting movement in the region. As the storm continues its path, officials remain on high alert, urging residents to stay safe and follow emergency guidelines.

With the typhoon expected to make landfall in western Guangdong later on Wednesday, the focus remains on minimizing the impact of this powerful storm and ensuring the well-being of those in its path.