Super Typhoon Ragasa has led to hundreds of flight cancellations across Asia, impacting major airlines like Qantas and Cathay Pacific. Millions of people in the Philippines, China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong are preparing for significant weather impacts, including destructive winds and potential life-threatening storm surges. Authorities have issued widespread warnings and initiated evacuations in anticipation of the powerful weather system.
Key Takeaways
- Qantas and Cathay Pacific have canceled hundreds of flights to and from Hong Kong due to Typhoon Ragasa.
- The typhoon, equivalent to a Category 5 cyclone, made landfall in the Philippines with 285 km/h wind gusts.
- Millions are bracing for impacts in the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and southern China.
- Warnings include storm surges up to three meters, potential landslides, and widespread infrastructure damage.
- Panic buying has occurred in Hong Kong and southern China as residents stock up on essentials.
Airlines Suspend Operations Amid Typhoon Threat
Qantas and Cathay Pacific are among the airlines that have suspended flights to and from Hong Kong. This action comes as Super Typhoon Ragasa rapidly gained strength, prompting meteorologists to forecast significant land impacts. The suspensions affect hundreds of flights and thousands of passengers.
Qantas announced a 36-hour suspension for all its Hong Kong flights. This decision has affected at least eight flights originating from Sydney and Melbourne. The airline contacted impacted passengers on Monday, offering re-booking options within seven days or a travel credit for future use. Qantas officials are monitoring the weather to determine if normal operations can resume by Thursday.
Typhoon Strength
Super Typhoon Ragasa brought destructive wind gusts of 285 kilometers per hour when it made landfall over Panuitan Island in the northern Cagayan province of the Philippines. This wind speed is equivalent to a Category 5 cyclone, the highest classification for tropical cyclones.
Cathay Pacific also announced extensive cancellations, impacting approximately 500 flights. A spokeswoman for Cathay Pacific stated that operations at Hong Kong International Airport would cease from 6 PM on Tuesday, September 23, until daytime hours on Thursday. Taiwan is also preparing to pause air and ferry services as the typhoon approaches its coastline.
Typhoon Ragasa's Path and Destructive Power
Super Typhoon Ragasa made landfall over Panuitan Island in the northern Cagayan province of the Philippines on Monday afternoon. It brought wind gusts reaching 285 kilometers per hour. This intensity is comparable to a Category 5 cyclone, indicating extreme destructive power. Thousands of residents in the Philippines were evacuated before the typhoon's arrival.
The typhoon is expected to continue impacting the Philippines as it moves towards mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. While it is predicted to track near Taiwan's coastline without direct landfall, it will still bring strong waves and winds to the region. The primary trajectory indicates a westward movement toward Hong Kong and Guangdong in southern China.
Typhoon Categories
Typhoons, hurricanes, and cyclones are all terms for tropical storms that form over different oceans. They are categorized by wind speed. A Category 5 storm, like Ragasa, is the most intense, capable of causing catastrophic damage to infrastructure and significant loss of life.
"Ragasa will pose a serious threat to Hong Kong, which could reach the levels of Hato in 2017 and Mangkhut in 2018," Hong Kong's number two official Eric Chan said. "These typhoons caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage."
Warnings and Evacuations Across Affected Regions
Authorities across Asia have issued severe warnings, stating that Super Typhoon Ragasa could be life-threatening. Schools and government buildings in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, and other large parts of the country were closed. These closures were part of preparation efforts to minimize risks to the public.
Officials have warned of sudden flooding from "life-threatening" storm surges. These surges could reach up to three meters in height over low-lying coastal areas. There are also significant concerns about landslides and extensive damage to infrastructure, including homes and public utilities.
In southern China, officials have advised residents to prepare for a "catastrophic" and "large-scale" disaster. Heavy rain and strong winds are expected to begin as early as Tuesday. Approximately 400,000 people are expected to be evacuated from Shenzhen, a major Chinese city located next to Hong Kong.
Public Response and Preparations
Residents in affected areas have responded to the typhoon warnings by stocking up on essential supplies. Supermarket shelves in Hong Kong and southern China have been stripped bare. This panic buying reflects concerns about how long the typhoon's impacts could last and potential disruptions to supply chains.
Most cold items, fruits, vegetables, and long-life goods such as canned foods and bottled water were quickly purchased. The rapid depletion of these items highlights the public's anxiety and their efforts to prepare for potential isolation or limited access to stores.
- School Closures: Classes in Hong Kong will be suspended on Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Shelter Openings: Forty-six temporary shelters have been opened in Hong Kong for residents seeking refuge.
- Flood Warnings: Authorities have urged residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant for flooding.
Zoe Chan, a Hong Kong resident in her 50s, piled sandbags outside her clothes shop in the Wanchai district. She expressed concerns about potential water damage to her business. "The most important thing is to take better precautions, so I can rest easier," she told AFP. This sentiment is shared by many residents taking proactive steps to protect their properties.
Chinese student Zhu Yifan also noted the prevailing concerns. The memory of past typhoons, such as Hato in 2017 and Mangkhut in 2018, which caused widespread damage and fatalities, contributes to current anxieties. Local reports indicate Hato killed 26 people, while Mangkhut claimed over 130 lives. These historical events underscore the serious nature of Typhoon Ragasa.
