Background on Super Typhoon Ragasa
Super Typhoon Ragasa, with maximum sustained winds of 230 kilometers per hour, is advancing in the South China Sea. The typhoon has already caused significant destruction in northern Philippines, resulting in at least one fatality from a landslide and widespread damage to buildings.
Impact on Hong Kong
Hong Kong, a bustling metropolis of 7.5 million residents, is bracing for Ragasa’s impact. The city has closed schools and canceled flights as authorities warn that the storm’s force could be among the most destructive in recent history.
- School Closures: Schools in Hong Kong will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday to ensure student safety.
- Flight Disruptions: Hong Kong International Airport will remain open, but significant flight interruptions are expected between Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Business Suspension: The Hong Kong Stock Exchange has modified rules to stay open during typhoons, while businesses are advised to close temporarily.
- Public Warnings: Authorities have urged residents in low-lying areas to stay vigilant against potential flooding and have opened 46 temporary shelters.
Precautionary Measures
Residents have rushed to stock up on supplies, with supermarket shelves left bare as people prepare for the typhoon. Zoe Chan, a 50-year-old shop owner in Wanchai, expressed her concerns about the potential damage to her business from flooding.
In Shenzhen, a nearby Chinese tech hub, authorities have ordered the evacuation of 400,000 people. Supermarkets in the region have also experienced a rush of shoppers buying emergency supplies, with items like fresh produce and bread selling out rapidly.
Concerns in Southern China
Residents across southern China are taking precautions as Ragasa approaches. In Guangzhou, the rail authority has suspended all train services on Wednesday.
Scientists warn that typhoons are becoming more intense due to climate change, driven by human-induced global warming.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Super Typhoon Ragasa? Ragasa is a powerful storm with maximum sustained winds of 230 kilometers per hour, currently moving through the South China Sea.
- Why are schools and flights being canceled in Hong Kong? Authorities have advised these measures to ensure public safety as Ragasa approaches with potentially destructive force.
- What precautions are residents taking? People are stocking up on supplies, with supermarkets experiencing high demand for emergency goods.
- How is Shenzhen preparing for the typhoon? Authorities have ordered the evacuation of 400,000 people and suspended train services on the day of Ragasa’s expected arrival.
- Why are typhoons becoming more intense? Scientists attribute this trend to climate change, which is driven by human activities causing global warming.
