MANILA — Super Typhoon Ragasa, one of the most powerful storms of the year, is causing widespread disruption across Asia as it makes its way toward a projected landfall in southeastern China. The storm’s approach has prompted mass evacuations in the northern Philippines, a suspension of classes and government work, and a significant reduction in flights in Hong Kong and other major hubs.
Ragasa, known locally as “Nando,” is currently packing sustained winds of 215 kph (134 mph) with gusts reaching up to 265 kph (165 mph). Philippine weather forecasters have warned of a “high risk of life-threatening storm surge” with peak heights expected to exceed 3 meters (nearly 10 feet) along the low-lying coastal areas of Cagayan, Batanes, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur.
In the Philippines, more than 8,200 people have been evacuated in the Cagayan province alone, and an additional 1,220 have fled to emergency shelters in Apayao, a region prone to flash floods and landslides. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has suspended government work and classes in the capital and 29 provinces in the northern Luzon region. Domestic flights have been suspended, and maritime travel has been prohibited due to rough seas.
Coastal Areas Brace for Impact
The typhoon’s path is expected to take it across the South China Sea, passing south of both Taiwan and Hong Kong before making landfall on the Chinese mainland.
In Taiwan, authorities in the southern counties of Taitung and Pingtung have ordered closures in some coastal and mountainous areas, and ferry services to outlying islands have been suspended. In southeastern China, officials in Shenzhen, a major tech hub, are planning to relocate approximately 400,000 people from low-lying and flood-prone areas. In Fujian province, 50 ferry routes have been suspended as a precaution.
China’s National Meteorological Center forecasts that the typhoon will make landfall in the coastal area between Huizhou city in Guangdong province and Wenchang city in Hainan province on Wednesday. The storm is expected to bring torrential rains and heavy winds to these areas starting Tuesday, leading to the suspension of schools, offices, factories, and transportation in cities across southern Guangdong.
Hong Kong Faces Major Flight Disruption
While Hong Kong’s airport is expected to remain open, officials have announced a significant reduction in flight operations. Hong Kong’s flag carrier, Cathay Pacific Airways, has confirmed it will suspend all inbound and outbound passenger flights from 6 p.m. local time on Tuesday and expects to cancel more than 500 flights. Other airlines, including HK Express, have also announced numerous cancellations.
Schools in Hong Kong and Macao will be closed for the next two days, and authorities in Macao have urged residents in low-lying areas to prepare for possible evacuation. The extensive flight disruptions and mass evacuations underscore the serious threat posed by Super Typhoon Ragasa as it barrels toward the Asian mainland.