News Summary
As Super Typhoon Ragasa approaches southern China, cities are ramping up emergency preparations amid severe weather alerts. Maximum winds of 143 mph are expected to impact Guangdong province, prompting widespread disruptions, including the closure of schools and airports. Residents are stocking up on essential supplies as rail services are suspended and potential flooding looms. Meanwhile, Ragasa has already caused fatalities and destruction in the Philippines, illustrating the storm’s dangerous reach.
Southern China Braces for Super Typhoon Ragasa as Disruptions Mount
The southern cities of China are mobilizing their emergency preparations and implementing widespread suspension of operations as Super Typhoon Ragasa approaches the region. With the storm anticipated to make landfall in Guangdong province, authorities are taking proactive measures to safeguard residents, infrastructure, and navigation routes, amidst a storm characterized by extreme winds and heavy rains.
Typhoon Ragasa’s Current Status and Predicted Path
The Hong Kong Observatory has classified Ragasa as a super typhoon with maximum sustained wind speeds reaching approximately 143 mph (230 kph). Moving northwest at about 14 mph (22 kph), the storm is projected to approach the coast of Guangdong province, striking between Shenzhen city and Xuwen county by Wednesday. Based on forecasts from China’s National Meteorological Center, landfall is expected to occur within 62 miles (100 kilometers) south of the Guangdong region.
Expected Impact and Preparations
Environmental conditions indicate that water levels along the coast could rise significantly, with projections suggesting increases of about 2 meters (6.5 feet), potentially reaching between 4 to 5 meters (13.1 to 16.4 feet). Local authorities and residents are actively preparing to mitigate flooding and wind damage. Measures include deploying sandbags and barriers at homes and businesses, taping windows, and securing outdoor objects.
Many supermarkets and stores have experienced a surge in demand as residents stockpile essential supplies, leading to shortages of food and necessities. Schools in Hong Kong, Macao, Shenzhen, Foshan, and Haikou have announced closures to protect students and staff. Meanwhile, airports are canceling flights in anticipation of severe weather; Hong Kong International Airport expects over 500 cancellations, and Shenzhen has halted all flights from Tuesday night onward.
Transportation and Emergency Operations
In Guangdong province, rail services will be temporarily suspended starting midday Tuesday. The Macao government has activated its emergency response mechanism due to Ragasa’s proximity, as the storm is projected to pass within 62 miles south of the region. Emergency services are on alert to deal with potential flooding, downed trees, and other storm-related hazards.
Impact in the Philippines
Before reaching China, Typhoon Ragasa caused severe damage in the Philippines, resulting in at least three fatalities and displacing over 17,500 individuals. A 74-year-old man was reported dead after being trapped during a landslide caused by heavy rains. Authorities have closed schools and government offices across the capital region and 29 northern provinces as a precaution.
In northern Cagayan Province, the storm made landfall bringing destructive winds of up to 295 kph (183 mph). Numerous homes were damaged or destroyed, and trees were uprooted. A rescue operation is ongoing for six fishermen missing after their boat capsized amid rough seas. Over 24,000 residents have been evacuated to safer locations across affected areas.
Storm Intensity and Broader Impact
While Ragasa has slightly weakened, it remains a formidable Category 4 hurricane with sustained wind speeds around 145 mph (230 kph). The storm’s outer bands are affecting nearby regions, including weather systems in Taiwan, where rough seas and torrential rains are reported. Satellite images, including one captured from the International Space Station, reveal the storm’s expansive and intense structure.
Officials’ Precautionary Measures
Authorities in Guangdong are preparing for heavy rainfall, with accumulations expected to reach up to 280 mm (11 inches). Emergency measures include evacuations of about 400,000 vulnerable residents in Shenzhen and the suspension of rail services throughout the province to prevent accidents and facilitate rescue operations.
As Ragasa advances, officials emphasize the importance of heightened vigilance and adherence to safety instructions. The storm’s trajectory and strength highlight ongoing risks of flooding, infrastructure damage, and transportation disruptions across southern China, Philippines, and neighboring regions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- CNN: Southern China Prepares for Super Typhoon Ragasa
- Wikipedia: Typhoon
- China Daily: Typhoon Ragasa Updates
- Google Search: Super Typhoon Ragasa
- Al Jazeera: Super Typhoon Heads to Taiwan and Hong Kong
- Google Scholar: Typhoon Ragasa
- ABC News: China Cancels Schools and Flights for Typhoon
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Typhoon
- South China Morning Post: China Braces for Super Typhoon Ragasa
- Google News: Typhoon Ragasa
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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
