Hong Kong is on high alert as Super Typhoon Ragasa, the strongest tropical storm of 2025, approaches with devastating winds of up to 220 km/h (137 mph). Expecting significant disruptions, authorities have ordered the closure of schools and selected businesses, with most passenger flights slated for suspension until Thursday morning. The Hong Kong Observatory has declared plans to elevate the typhoon signal to level 8, its third-highest alert, urging a shutdown of most business and transport operations as approximately 700 flights face delays.
The typhoon’s trajectory is steering it towards Guangdong province in China, a continuation from its havoc in the northern Philippines where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. mobilized the country’s disaster response mechanisms. In Hong Kong, heavy rain and fierce hurricane-force winds are anticipated, potentially evoking sea surges akin to those of Typhoon Hato in 2017 and Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018, both infamous for their extensive damage.
Residents are advised to brace for a surge in water levels by up to two meters along coastal areas, with heights reaching four to five meters in isolated areas. In preparation, authorities distributed sandbags to residents in vulnerable low-lying zones, while citizens engaged in the strategic stockpiling of essential supplies, emptying supermarket shelves and witnessing a tripling in vegetable prices.
Despite the anticipated calamity, Hong Kong’s Stock Exchange has committed to remain operational, a policy change implemented last year to preserve trading continuity amidst severe weather conditions.
The onset of the typhoon also triggered preparatory measures in Macau, where schools are closing and evacuations are underway. Meanwhile, Shenzhen has prepared over 800 emergency shelters, showcasing proactive efforts to safeguard the populace. In Taiwan, more than 6,000 residents have been evacuated from at-risk southern and eastern regions.
This scenario unfolds amidst a pattern of global exposure to severe weather events, reflecting a growing need for vigilance and preparedness in safeguarding communities. As Hong Kong and its neighboring regions brace for Ragasa’s impact, community resilience and proactive measures will be vital to minimizing the storm’s potentially devastating effects. The efforts stand as a testament to the region’s commitment to safety and preparedness in the face of natural adversities.