Post by : Saif
Al-Najjar
Hong Kong came to a standstill on Tuesday as Super Typhoon Ragasa, the most powerful storm of 2025, moved closer to the southern coast of China. Authorities raised the typhoon signal to level 8, the third highest, forcing schools, businesses, and transport services to shut down. With winds reaching speeds of 220 kilometers per hour (137 mph), Ragasa is one of the most dangerous storms to threaten the region in years.
Panic Buying and Preparations
Residents rushed to supermarkets and grocery stores, stocking up on food, water, and other essentials. Shelves were quickly emptied as people feared they might not be able to shop for the next two days. Across the city, windows were taped up, sandbags were placed in front of houses, and families checked their homes for leaks in preparation for the storm.
One resident, Mr. Mak, explained that he had already bought groceries but wanted to purchase more as he prepared his home. “We shut the windows and doors closely and checked if there is leaking,” he said.
The Hong Kong government distributed sandbags to residents in low-lying areas to help protect against flooding. Meanwhile, some businesses tried to make the best of the situation. On Lantau Island, a bar offered discounts to attract customers working from home while the typhoon signal was active.
Flight Disruptions and Closures
Air travel was one of the first major sectors to be affected. More than 700 flights were canceled or delayed across Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Macau ordered all casinos to close by 5 p.m. as the storm warning rose. Taiwan, which already faced Ragasa’s impact earlier, reported heavy rainfall of up to 60 centimeters (24 inches) in some areas and 25 people injured.
Hong Kong’s Stock Exchange, however, remained open. The bourse had changed its policy last year to keep trading operations running regardless of weather conditions.
Storm Surges and Flood Warnings
The Hong Kong Observatory warned that storm surges caused by Ragasa could raise sea levels by two meters (six feet) in many coastal areas and up to five meters (15 feet) in some parts of the city. This situation is similar to the damage caused by Typhoon Hato in 2017 and Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018, both of which inflicted billions of dollars in losses.
In Guangdong province, which neighbors Hong Kong, authorities evacuated more than 770,000 people, with over one million expected to be relocated in total. Eleven cities, including the tech hub Shenzhen and the coastal city Zhuhai, suspended work, schools, and public transport. Shenzhen set up more than 800 emergency shelters, and workers were seen cutting tree branches to reduce the risk of falling debris during the storm.
The Path of the Typhoon
Ragasa had earlier swept across the northern Philippines, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. Now downgraded slightly to a Category 4 storm from its Category 5 peak, it still remains powerful enough to cause widespread damage. Chinese authorities have launched flood-control measures in southern provinces and warned of extremely rough seas, with waves as high as seven meters (21 feet).
Taiwan is still dealing with transport problems, with hundreds of flights canceled for the second day in a row. The island has already received massive rainfall in its mountainous regions, raising the risk of landslides.
A Test for Preparedness
For Hong Kong, this storm is another test of resilience. The city has faced severe typhoons in the past, but Ragasa is being closely watched due to its intensity and the risk of high sea surges. Authorities are on high alert, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Ragasa’s full impact is expected from midday Wednesday, with hurricane-force winds and heavy rain likely to cause disruption across southern China. With millions of people evacuated and flights grounded, the storm highlights once again how vulnerable even the most modern cities can be when nature strikes with such force.
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