Schools Closed and Flights Cancelled as Typhoon Ragasa Approaches Hong Kong

Hong Kong authorities closed schools and cancelled flights on Tuesday as Super Typhoon Ragasa approached, threatening the financial hub with potentially devastating force. Officials warned that the storm could rank among the most destructive in the city’s recent history.

The powerful typhoon posed a serious threat to lives and property, prompting mainland China to suspend operations in at least 10 southern cities, including schools and businesses.

Impact in the Philippines

Before reaching Hong Kong, Ragasa battered the northern Philippines, where it:

• Toppled trees
• Tore roofs from buildings
• Caused at least one fatality in a landslide

Thousands sought refuge in schools and evacuation centres.

Typhoon Strength and Forecast

According to the Hong Kong Observatory, Ragasa is a very dangerous storm, moving westward across the South China Sea with maximum sustained winds of 230 km/h (140 mph) at its centre.

• Hong Kong has 7.5 million residents preparing for extensive disruptions.
• Nearby Shenzhen, a Chinese tech hub, has evacuated 400,000 people.

“Ragasa will pose a serious threat to Hong Kong, which could reach the levels of Hato in 2017 and Mangkhut in 2018,” said Eric Chan, Hong Kong’s number-two official, referring to super typhoons that each caused hundreds of millions in property damage.

Scientists warn that climate change is increasing the intensity of storms, adding urgency to preparation efforts.

Travel and Public Transport

• Hong Kong Airport will remain open, but the Airport Authority warned of significant flight disruptions from 1000 GMT Tuesday through Wednesday.
• Over 500 Cathay Pacific flights are expected to be cancelled.
• The Hong Kong Observatory issued its T8 typhoon warning at 0620 GMT Tuesday, signalling business closures and widespread transport shutdown.

Authorities in Shenzhen instructed residents:

“Except for emergency rescue personnel and those ensuring people’s livelihood, do not go out casually.”

Other southern Guangdong cities implementing suspension measures include Chaozhou, Zhuhai, Dongguan, and Foshan.

Residents Prepare

Markets and supermarkets were crowded as residents stocked up in anticipation of the storm:

• Zhu Yifan, 22, a student from China, said, “There’s bound to be some concern.”
• Zoe Chan, in her 50s, placed sandbags outside her clothes shop in Wanchai, stating:

“The most important thing is to take better precautions, so I can rest easier.”

Disruptions to Daily Life

• Schools will remain closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
• The Hong Kong Jockey Club cancelled Wednesday’s horse-racing meet.
• Hong Kong’s stock exchange will remain open, but monitoring the situation closely.
• Authorities opened 46 temporary shelters for residents of low-lying areas.

Forecast for Hong Kong and Surrounding Areas

• Ragasa is expected to be closest to Hong Kong and Macau on Wednesday morning.
• Residents of southern mainland China are also making last-minute preparations.
• Supermarkets in Shenzhen, such as in Bao’an District, reported bare shelves and long queues, with bread selling out by midday.

“It’s not normally like this,” said one supermarket employee.

Key Data Summary

Ragasa, named after the Filipino word for “rapid motion”, is expected to bring severe winds, flooding, and property damage to southern China in the coming days. Authorities urge residents to stay indoors, take precautions, and follow official updates closely.