Background on Typhoon Ragasa and its Impact
Hong Kong is in a state of lockdown as the super typhoon Ragasa, currently the most powerful tropical cyclone of the year, approaches. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors, and most passenger flights are suspended until Thursday.
Panic and Preparation
Residents rushed to supermarkets, clearing shelves of essential items amid fears that stores might close for two days. Homes and businesses were fortified with tape on windows to prevent shattered glass.
Typhoon Ragasa’s Intensity
With wind speeds reaching up to 220 kilometers per hour, Ragasa poses a “serious threat” to the Guangdong coast, according to Hong Kong’s Observatory. The typhoon will maintain its strength as it nears the Guangdong coast, affecting Hong Kong, mainland China, and Taiwan after sweeping through northern Philippines on Monday.
Travel Disruptions and Warnings
More than 700 flights have been canceled, including those in neighboring Macao and Taiwan. Hong Kong issued the typhoon signal 8, its third-highest level, at 14:20 local time (12:20 a.m. CDMX), urging the closure of most businesses and transportation services.
The weather is expected to deteriorate rapidly by late Tuesday, and the Observatory will assess whether to issue a higher alert by late Tuesday or early Wednesday.
Anticipated Impact in Hong Kong
Hong Kong anticipates hurricane-force winds at sea and in elevated areas on Wednesday, with heavy rains expected to cause a severe storm and tidal surges in the densely populated city.
The Observatory warned of a significant rise in sea levels, similar to those observed during typhoons Hato (2017) and Mangkhut (2018), both of which caused billions of dollars in damage.
Sea levels are expected to rise by about two meters along Hong Kong’s coastline, with maximum water levels potentially reaching four to five meters in some areas. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is a super typhoon? A super typhoon is an intense tropical cyclone with sustained wind speeds exceeding 185 km/h (115 mph). Super typhoons are among the most dangerous weather events.
- Why is Ragasa considered the world’s strongest this year? With wind speeds reaching up to 220 km/h (137 mph), Ragasa surpasses other typhoons in terms of intensity this year.
- What precautions should Hong Kong residents take? Residents are advised to stay indoors, secure windows with tape, prepare for potential power outages, and avoid travel during the typhoon.
- What areas will be affected by Ragasa? Besides Hong Kong, the typhoon is expected to impact Guangdong province, mainland China, and Taiwan, causing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding.
- How does a rise in sea level pose a threat? A significant increase in sea levels, as predicted with Ragasa, can lead to coastal flooding and storm surges, causing damage to infrastructure and properties along the coast.
