Super Typhoon Ragasa, the formidable tropical cyclone of the year, has brought Hong Kong to a standstill with its powerful winds and torrential rain. On Wednesday, anticipation of the storm led to widespread disruptions, particularly evident in the cancellation of more than 700 flights. The storm spurred panic buying among residents, who cleared supermarket shelves while queuing for essential supplies, expecting lengthy shop closures.
To mitigate potential damage, many Hong Kong residents took preventive measures such as taping windows to guard against glass shattering. The super typhoon brought winds up to 200 kilometers per hour and moved perilously close to Hong Kong, prompting the city to issue its highest-level typhoon signal, 10. This led to the shutdown of most businesses and transportation services as a precaution.
The Hong Kong Observatory has issued warnings about dangerously high seas, anticipating “phenomenal” waves on the eastern and southern coasts. Sea level rise predictions suggest potential impacts similar to those seen during Typhoon Hato in 2017 and Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018. Authorities are forecasting a sea level rise of about four meters around midday.
In a bid to offer refuge, the city has opened 49 temporary shelters, already hosting hundreds seeking safety from the storm. Despite adverse conditions, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange remains open, having adapted its operations to maintain functionality amid severe weather.
Ragasa continues on its intense path, poised to affect the Guangdong coast in mainland China and Taiwan after moving past the northern Philippines. Forecasters expect the storm to make landfall along Guangdong by late Wednesday.
This super typhoon underscores the critical need for preparedness to manage the severe challenges posed by natural disasters. Efforts to enhance early warning systems and boost community readiness are vital in mitigating the impacts of such powerful storms. This resilience emphasizes the collective strength and adaptability of communities confronted by extreme weather.