Hong Kong is bracing for Super Typhoon Ragasa, one of the most powerful storms to approach the city in years. This severe weather event has led to widespread disruptions, including the suspension of all flights at Hong Kong International Airport and closures of schools and businesses. Residents have begun stockpiling essential supplies as authorities implement emergency measures.
Key Takeaways
- Qantas and Cathay Pacific have suspended hundreds of flights to and from Hong Kong.
- Hong Kong International Airport will close for 36 hours.
- Schools are closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Residents are stockpiling food and daily necessities.
- The nearby city of Shenzhen plans to evacuate 400,000 people.
- Typhoon Ragasa has already impacted the Philippines, displacing over 10,000 people.
Flight Operations Halted Amid Storm Threat
Qantas has announced the suspension of all flights to Hong Kong for a 36-hour period. This decision comes as the city prepares for the arrival of Super Typhoon Ragasa. The airline confirmed that Hong Kong's airport will cease operations from 8 PM on September 23 until 8 AM on September 25.
Affected Qantas customers will be contacted directly by the airline. This measure aims to ensure passenger and crew safety during the severe weather conditions. Other airlines are also adjusting their schedules.
"Starting at 6 PM tomorrow, September 23, Cathay Pacific's passenger flights arriving at and departing from Hong Kong International Airport will cease operations until resuming during daytime hours on Thursday," a Cathay Pacific spokeswoman stated at a press conference on Monday.
Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong's flagship carrier, expects to cancel more than 500 flights. These cancellations will significantly impact travel plans for thousands of passengers. The aviation sector is taking proactive steps to minimize risks associated with the typhoon.
Aviation Impact
- Hong Kong Airport Closure: 36 hours (September 23, 8 PM to September 25, 8 AM)
- Qantas Flights: All suspended to Hong Kong.
- Cathay Pacific Flights: Over 500 cancellations anticipated.
Typhoon Ragasa's Path and Expected Impact
Typhoon Ragasa is currently traversing the Luzon Strait, located between southern Taiwan and the northern Philippines. Forecasters predict it will reach Hong Kong and southern China by Tuesday. The weather is expected to worsen rapidly from Tuesday afternoon.
Gale-force winds are projected to affect Hong Kong on Wednesday. Winds offshore and on high ground could reach hurricane force. This level of intensity poses significant danger to infrastructure and residents.
The storm's sustained winds are recorded at 215 kilometers per hour (134 mph) at its center. Gusts could reach up to 265 kilometers per hour (165 mph) as it moves westward. These figures highlight the extreme nature of the typhoon.
Authorities are advising residents to stay indoors and secure loose objects. The Civil Aviation Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the airport closure. However, flight suspensions are a standard procedure for such powerful storms.
City-Wide Preparations and Public Response
Across Hong Kong, residents have begun preparing for the typhoon's arrival. Supermarkets have seen long queues as people stock up on daily necessities. Shelves for products like milk have already emptied in many stores.
At fresh markets, prices for vegetables have more than tripled. This indicates a high demand for essential goods. Reuters witnesses reported these price increases and queues.
Community Preparedness
Hong Kong has a history of facing powerful typhoons. The city's emergency response systems are designed to manage such events. Public awareness campaigns often precede major storms, urging residents to secure homes and prepare emergency kits.
The Education Bureau announced the suspension of all schools for Tuesday and Wednesday. This measure protects students and staff from hazardous travel conditions. Many businesses are also expected to close or operate with reduced staff.
The city's hospital authority has implemented special measures to ensure emergency services remain operational. Public hospitals are preparing for potential increases in storm-related injuries and illnesses. Their goal is to maintain essential healthcare during the crisis.
Mass Evacuations in Shenzhen and Philippine Impact
The nearby Chinese city of Shenzhen is planning a large-scale evacuation. Approximately 400,000 people will be relocated. This includes residents in temporary shelters, low-lying areas, and coastal regions. The announcement was made on Shenzhen's Emergency Management WeChat account late Sunday.
This pre-emptive evacuation highlights the severe threat posed by Super Typhoon Ragasa. Shenzhen's extensive preparations aim to protect its large population from the storm's direct impact.
Ragasa has already lashed the northern Philippines. More than 10,000 people have sought shelter in schools and evacuation centers. Heavy rains and gale-force winds have impacted the country's far north.
The sparsely populated Babuyan Islands, located about 740 kilometers south of Taiwan, have also experienced the storm's effects. Smaller-scale evacuations are underway in Taiwan as well. The Filipino government suspended work and classes across Manila and large parts of Luzon. This was done as outer rainbands began affecting the region.
Typhoon Ragasa in the Philippines
- Displaced: Over 10,000 people.
- Impacted Areas: Far north Philippines, Babuyan Islands, Luzon.
- Government Response: Work and classes suspended, warnings issued for power outages, landslides, floods, and dangerous seas.
Warnings have been issued for potential power outages, landslides, floods, and dangerous seas. The threat of flooding from Ragasa comes shortly after protests in the Philippines. These protests concerned a corruption scandal involving poorly constructed or unfinished flood control projects. This adds another layer of complexity to the country's disaster response efforts.
Authorities across the region are focusing on public safety. They are monitoring the typhoon's trajectory and intensity. Emergency services remain on high alert. The goal is to minimize damage and protect lives as Ragasa approaches.
