Super Typhoon Ragasa Approaches Hong Kong With Winds of 220km/h

Super Typhoon Ragasa, the world’s most powerful tropical storm this year, is heading towards Hong Kong with maximum winds of up to 220 km/h. Officials have warned it could be one of the most destructive storms in the city’s recent history.

On Tuesday (Sep 23), Hong Kong closed schools and cancelled flights as authorities prepared to raise the storm alert to Category 8. Businesses and schools in at least 10 mainland Chinese cities were also ordered to shut down.

Impact on Taiwan

Although Ragasa will not make landfall in Taiwan, its outer bands are expected to bring heavy rain along the island’s east coast. A sea warning remains in effect for the Taiwan Strait, while the land warning was lifted at 8.30 a.m. The Central Weather Administration forecasts heavy showers throughout the day and into the night.

Quiet Streets in Hong Kong

Market streets in Wan Chai, normally bustling with activity, were unusually quiet as vendors closed their stalls or reinforced them against strong winds. Some shops that stayed open announced early closures. Tourists reported being caught off guard by the typhoon, with many scrambling to change travel plans before transportation shuts down.

Authorities confirmed that flights, high-speed rail, and other transport services would be gradually suspended as the storm approaches.

Panic Buying and Rising Prices

Residents rushed to markets and supermarkets, stocking up on essentials such as milk, meat, and vegetables. Reports indicated that shelves were emptied quickly, with vegetable prices tripling in some markets.

Michelle Tam, a Hong Kong resident living near the sea, said she began stocking up a week ago. “There’s bound to be some concern,” said Zhu Yifan, a student from China, while waiting in long supermarket queues.

Path of the Typhoon

The Hong Kong Observatory has hoisted a strong wind signal and confirmed it will issue the T8 signal at 2.20 p.m. Ragasa is expected to track west-northwest across the northern South China Sea, nearing Guangdong province later tonight.

Fatalities in the Philippines

Before reaching Hong Kong, Ragasa struck the northern Philippines, killing at least three people. A 74-year-old man died after being trapped in a mudslide in Benguet province, while two others perished in Cagayan province, where the storm made landfall. Thousands of villagers have taken shelter in schools and evacuation centres.

Authorities warn that the storm’s intensity and trajectory could rival Super Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018, which caused widespread damage across the region.

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