Authorities in China have initiated mass evacuations and ordered the closure of schools and businesses in at least ten cities as Super Typhoon Ragasa, the strongest storm of the year, approaches the southern coast. The impending arrival of Ragasa has prompted Hong Kong to elevate its typhoon warning level to eight, just two steps below the maximum alert.
Evacuations and Preparations
Table of Contents
- 1. Evacuations and Preparations
- 2. Regional Impact and Past Storms
- 3. Understanding Typhoon severity
- 4. Frequently Asked Questions About Super typhoon Ragasa
- 5. What actions should residents take to prepare for potential power outages?
- 6. Bracing for Impact: Super Typhoon Approaches Hong Kong and Southern China
- 7. Current Threat Assessment – September 23,2025
- 8. Projected Path and Intensity
- 9. Immediate safety Measures – What you Need to Do Now
- 10. Understanding the Risks: Storm Surge and Inland Flooding
- 11. Transportation Disruptions – Expect Significant Delays
Approximately 370,000 residents in China’s Guangdong province have been evacuated, with officials bracing for a potentially “catastrophic” situation. The storm,dubbed the “King of Storms” by Chinese meteorological agencies,is forecast to impact northern Vietnam in the coming days,potentially affecting millions more individuals.
In Hong kong, supermarket shelves were depleted of essential supplies, including bread, vegetables, meat, and instant noodles, as residents stocked up ahead of the typhoon.Hong kong International Airport anticipates ample disruptions to flight schedules beginning Tuesday evening and extending into the following day. Over 500 flights operated by Cathay Pacific have been canceled, and Hong Kong Airlines has suspended all departures.
Across southern China, businesses are fortifying their storefronts with sandbags, and residents in low-lying coastal areas are preparing for potential tidal surges. Many homeowners and business owners are also reinforcing windows to minimize damage from high winds.
Regional Impact and Past Storms
Taiwan largely avoided the brunt of Ragasa, though the island experienced injuries to at least six people and the cancellation of over 100 international flights as the storm passed. The Philippines bore an initial impact, with at least one fatality reported and thousands of families evacuated before the storm made landfall. Schools and goverment offices, including those in the capital Manila, were closed as a precautionary measure.
Ragasa peaked with wind gusts reaching 285 kilometers per hour (177 miles per hour), categorizing it as a Category 5 hurricane equivalent. This has raised concerns regarding potential floods, storm surges, and landslides across the affected region.
Hong kong officials are drawing parallels between Ragasa and past typhoons that have substantially impacted the city.In 2018, Super Typhoon Mangkhut caused widespread damage, injuring 200 people, disrupting shipping, and inflicting an estimated HK$4.6 billion (approximately $592 million or £438 million) in economic losses.Typhoon Hato in 2017 led to severe flooding and over 100 injuries.
| Typhoon | Year | Impact on Hong Kong |
|---|---|---|
| Mangkhut | 2018 | 200 injured, significant infrastructure damage, $592M in economic losses |
| Hato | 2017 | Severe flooding, over 100 injuries |
| Ragasa (current) | 2025 | widespread evacuations, flight cancellations, bracing for potential “catastrophic” impact |
Understanding Typhoon severity
Typhoons, known as hurricanes in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific, are categorized based on their sustained wind speeds using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Category 5, like Ragasa, represents the highest level of intensity, capable of causing catastrophic damage. Preparedness and early warning systems are crucial for mitigating the impacts of these powerful storms. According to the National Oceanic and atmospheric Governance (NOAA), climate change is increasing the intensity of hurricanes, making accurate forecasting and effective disaster management even more vital.
Did you know? The term “typhoon” is used in the Northwest Pacific, while “hurricane” is used in the north Atlantic and Northeast Pacific. Both refer to the same type of weather phenomenon – a tropical cyclone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Super typhoon Ragasa
- What is a Super Typhoon? A Super Typhoon is a term used in the Northwest Pacific for a typhoon that has sustained winds exceeding 150 mph.
- How does the typhoon warning system work in Hong Kong? Hong Kong’s typhoon warning signal system has ten levels, with signal No. 10 representing the highest threat.
- what should residents do to prepare for a typhoon? Residents in affected areas should secure loose objects, reinforce windows, stock up on essential supplies, and follow official evacuation orders.
- Is climate change contributing to the intensity of typhoons? Yes, rising sea temperatures contribute to more intense tropical cyclones, increasing their potential for damage.
- Where can I find the latest updates on Super Typhoon Ragasa? Stay informed by monitoring official weather reports from your local meteorological agency and credible news sources.
as Super Typhoon Ragasa continues its path, authorities urge residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and prioritize safety. What measures do you think are most effective in preparing for a severe weather event like this? How can communities better protect themselves against the increasing threat of extreme weather?
What actions should residents take to prepare for potential power outages?
Bracing for Impact: Super Typhoon Approaches Hong Kong and Southern China
Current Threat Assessment – September 23,2025
As of 11:00 HKT,a super typhoon is tracking towards Hong Kong and the southern coast of china. Designated as Typhoon kiko (name subject to change based on international meteorological agencies), the storm currently boasts sustained winds of 260 km/h (160 mph) with gusts exceeding 300 km/h (186 mph). The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) has issued the highest-level T10 typhoon signal,indicating a hurricane of immense power. The China Meteorological Governance (CMA) has issued a red alert – the highest in its four-tier warning system – for Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan provinces. Typhoon Kiko is expected to make landfall near the Pearl River Delta within the next 12-24 hours. This poses a meaningful threat of extreme weather, including torrential rainfall, catastrophic winds, and dangerous storm surges.
Projected Path and Intensity
Current models predict a westward track,with the eye of the typhoon passing within 100km of Hong Kong. While a slight weakening is anticipated as the storm interacts with land, Kiko is still expected to remain a super typhoon at landfall.
* Hong kong: Direct impact expected with sustained hurricane-force winds and torrential downpours. Severe flooding is highly probable, especially in low-lying areas.
* Macau: High risk of experiencing similar conditions to Hong Kong, including damaging winds and significant flooding.
* Guangdong Province (including shenzhen): Widespread disruption expected.Heavy rainfall will likely cause river flooding and landslides. Coastal areas are vulnerable to storm surge.
* Guangxi & Hainan Provinces: Heavy rainfall and strong winds are forecast, with potential for significant agricultural damage.
Immediate safety Measures – What you Need to Do Now
The following actions are crucial to ensure your safety and minimize potential damage:
- Secure Your Property: Reinforce windows and doors with plywood or storm shutters. bring loose outdoor items (furniture, decorations, garbage cans) inside.
- Emergency Kit: Ensure you have a well-stocked emergency kit including:
* Non-perishable food and water (at least a 3-day supply)
* First-aid kit
* Flashlight and extra batteries
* Portable radio
* critically importent documents (identification, insurance policies)
* Medications
- Stay Informed: Continuously monitor updates from the HKO (https://www.hko.gov.hk/), the CMA (http://www.cma.gov.cn/en/), and local news sources. Pay attention to evacuation orders.
- Power Outages: Prepare for potential power outages. Charge mobile phones and power banks.
- Evacuation: if an evacuation order is issued for your area, comply promptly. Know your designated evacuation shelter.
Understanding the Risks: Storm Surge and Inland Flooding
* Storm Surge: the moast dangerous aspect of this typhoon. Kiko’s powerful winds are pushing a significant volume of water towards the coast. A storm surge of 3-5 meters (10-16 feet) is possible in vulnerable areas.This can inundate coastal communities and cause widespread destruction. Coastal flooding is a major concern.
* Inland Flooding: The torrential rainfall associated with Typhoon Kiko will saturate the ground, leading to widespread inland flooding. Rivers and streams are likely to overflow their banks. Flash floods are a significant risk,even in areas not directly along the coast.be aware of landslide potential in hilly regions.
Transportation Disruptions – Expect Significant Delays
All major transportation systems are bracing for impact:
* Hong Kong international Airport (HKG): All flights have been suspended as of 08:00 HKT. Resumption of flights is uncertain and dependent on the storm’s aftermath. Flight cancellations are widespread.
