Super Typhoon ‘Ragasa’ Approaches Hong Kong and Taiwan, Warning Issued International Desk | PNN

International Desk | PNN

After causing extensive damage in northern Philippines, Super Typhoon “Ragasa” is now moving across the South China Sea toward Hong Kong, southern China, and Taiwan. So far, at least three people have died in the Philippines, and thousands have been evacuated from villages to safer shelters.

Authorities in Hong Kong have described the storm as a “serious threat.” The city’s Chief Administrative Officer, Eric Chan, warned that the impact of Ragasa could be as severe as Typhoon Hato in 2017 and Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018.

According to the Hong Kong Observatory, as of early Tuesday morning, the maximum wind speed near the center of Ragasa was 220 kilometers per hour. As a result, flight operations are expected to face significant disruptions starting Tuesday evening. Cathay Pacific anticipates at least 500 flight cancellations.

Al Jazeera reports that weather conditions in Hong Kong are expected to deteriorate rapidly, and Typhoon Signal No. 8—the third-highest alert—may be issued. This would result in the closure of most businesses and public transport in the city. Residents have already begun stockpiling food and essential supplies to manage a two-day emergency situation.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s weather department has warned of “extremely heavy rainfall” in the island’s eastern regions, increasing the risk of landslides and flash floods in hilly areas.