Hong Kong and coastal cities in China’s Guangdong province have resumed activities after a powerful tropical cyclone, Ragasa, struck the region. The storm brought Hong Kong to a standstill from Tuesday, following its devastating path through the northern Philippines and Taiwan, which resulted in 14 fatalities before making landfall in Yangjiang, southern China, on Thursday.
In Hong Kong, over 100 people suffered injuries, and a typhoon signal 10, the highest level, was implemented throughout Wednesday. The city reopened its international airport on Thursday, ending a 36-hour flight suspension. As businesses and transport resumed, Shenzhen saw cleanup efforts underway to clear roads obstructed by fallen trees.
Zhuhai, another coastal city, faced extensive flooding, significantly impacting local businesses. A shopkeeper, Yang Yanna, faced damages of over 300,000 yuan due to the unexpected flood levels, a situation mirrored by other business owners like Nie, who struggled with inventory losses.
Wednesday saw massive waves pounding Hong Kong’s eastern and southern coasts, flooding roads and buildings, including the Fullerton hotel. While the structural damages were extensive, no injuries were reported, and most services have resumed.
The cyclone’s impact is reminiscent of other severe weather events in the region, highlighting the broader need for resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness as climate change exacerbates the frequency and severity of such natural disasters. The cyclone’s aftermath emphasizes the importance of community support and innovative recovery strategies to enhance resilience against future climate events. Despite the challenges, the recovery efforts demonstrate the resilience and determination of the affected communities to rebuild and move forward.