Hong Kong and China’s Guangdong coastal cities have resumed their activities following the devastating impact of tropical cyclone Ragasa. The cyclone, which earlier wreaked havoc in the northern Philippines and Taiwan, leaving 14 people dead, hit Yangjiang in southern China on Thursday. In Hong Kong, the storm halted daily life, with over 100 injuries reported, and prompted authorities to issue the highest typhoon signal of 10 on Wednesday. The city began regaining its momentum with the reopening of its international airport on Thursday after a 36-hour flight suspension.
Recovery efforts have been significant in Shenzhen, where workers are busy clearing roads blocked by debris. Zhuhai, another city along the coast, suffered from severe flooding, heavily affecting local enterprises. Business owners, such as shopkeeper Yang Yanna, reported significant financial damages upward of 300,000 yuan due to the unexpected flood levels. The problem was echoed by business owners like Nie who faced inventory losses.
Massive waves crashed against Hong Kong’s eastern and southern shores on Wednesday, leading to floods on roads and in buildings, including the Fullerton hotel. Despite the widespread structural damages, there were no reported injuries due to the floods, and essential services have gradually returned to normal.
Ragasa’s impact serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters in the region, underscoring the urgent need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness in the face of climate change. The event highlights the critical importance of community support and innovative strategies for recovery, which are crucial for building resilience against future climate events. The recovery efforts reflect the resilience and commitment of affected communities to rebuild and progress despite the significant challenges they face.