Southern China, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Southern China is on high alert as Super Typhoon Ragasa is set to make landfall in Guangdong province, following devastation in the Philippines. With maximum winds of 143 mph, local authorities are urging residents to take precautions. Evacuations, school closures, and disruptions in flight operations are already underway as citizens prepare for extreme weather and significant rainfall. Meanwhile, the typhoon has claimed lives and displaced thousands in the Philippines, where emergency operations are ongoing.
Southern China Braces for Super Typhoon Ragasa
Southern Chinese cities are on high alert as they prepare for Super Typhoon Ragasa, which is predicted to make landfall in Guangdong province on Wednesday. The typhoon has already wreaked havoc in the Philippines, where it has claimed the lives of three individuals and displaced thousands due to flooding and landslides.
The Hong Kong Observatory has classified Ragasa as a super typhoon, boasting maximum sustained winds reaching 143 mph (230 kph). Currently moving west-northwest at approximately 14 mph (22 kph), Ragasa is expected to impact the coastline between Shenzhen and Xuwen. The local government has urged citizens to prepare for extreme weather conditions, including soaring water levels predicted to rise by about 2 meters (6.5 feet) and possibly hitting up to 4 to 5 meters (13.1 to 16.4 feet).
Public Response and Precautions
Residents across the affected areas are taking preventive measures by placing sandbags and barriers at entry points to their homes and taping windows. Supermarkets are experiencing a rush, with shelves quickly being emptied as citizens stockpile essential supplies. Schools have closed in not only Hong Kong but also in Macao, Shenzhen, Foshan, and Haikou, following the announcement of the impending storm.
Flight operations are also severely disrupted, with hundreds of flights canceled at Hong Kong International Airport. Shenzhen’s airport has halted all flights beginning Tuesday night, anticipating further cancellations as conditions worsen. The government of Macao activated its emergency response mechanism in light of Ragasa’s expected passage, which is projected to be within 62 miles (100 kilometers) south of the region.
Typhoon’s Impact in the Philippines
The effects of Super Typhoon Ragasa have already been felt in the Philippines, where over 17,500 individuals were displaced due to severe weather conditions, leading to the closure of schools and government offices across the capital and 29 northern provinces. Tragically, a 74-year-old man was among the three fatalities, having been trapped in a vehicle during a landslide, and significant damage has been reported in northern Cagayan Province, where homes were destroyed and trees uprooted.
To ensure safety, all fishing boats and ferries have been prohibited from venturing out into the sea due to rough conditions. As part of emergency preparations, more than 24,000 people were evacuated ahead of the storm’s arrival, and search and rescue operations are ongoing for six fishermen who went missing after their boat capsized.
Future Projections and Preparedness
As Super Typhoon Ragasa weakens slightly, it remains a formidable Category 4 hurricane, with winds sustained at around 145 mph (230 kph). Authorities in Shenzhen are planning to evacuate about 400,000 individuals from high-risk areas. Anticipated rainfall accumulations in Guangdong could reach up to 280 mm (11 inches), prompting the suspension of rail services throughout the province starting midday Tuesday.
Meanwhile, footage from Taiwan illustrates rough seas and strong winds associated with Ragasa’s outer bands, prompting officials there to predict extremely torrential rain in the eastern regions. The situation has drawn significant attention, with a breathtaking view of Ragasa captured from space by Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui aboard the International Space Station.
FAQ Section
What damage has Super Typhoon Ragasa caused in the Philippines?
Super Typhoon Ragasa has resulted in three fatalities and displaced over 17,500 individuals in the Philippines. Significant damage has occurred, particularly in northern Cagayan Province, where homes have been destroyed, and a search and rescue operation is underway for missing fishermen.
How are residents in southern China preparing for the storm?
Residents are preparing by placing sandbags and barriers at their doors and taping windows. Many have been stockpiling food and supplies, leading to empty supermarket shelves. Schools have closed, and significant precautions are being taken as authorities issue storm warnings.
What preparations are authorities making in Guangdong province?
Authorities are planning to evacuate about 400,000 people from vulnerable areas, preparing for heavy rainfall that could accumulate up to 280 mm (11 inches). Rail services are being suspended, and emergency measures are being put into effect as the typhoon approaches.
Key Features of Super Typhoon Ragasa
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Winds | 143 mph (230 kph) |
| Movement | West-northwest at 14 mph (22 kph) |
| Anticipated Landfall | Between Shenzhen city and Xuwen county |
| Predicted Rainfall | Up to 280 mm (11 inches) |
| Evacuations Planned | Approximately 400,000 people |
| Status in Philippines | 3 fatalities, over 17,500 displaced |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- CNN: Southern China Prepares for Super Typhoon Ragasa
- Wikipedia: Typhoon
- China Daily: Typhoon Ragasa Updates
- Google Search: Super Typhoon Ragasa
- Al Jazeera: Super Typhoon Heads to Taiwan and Hong Kong
- Google Scholar: Typhoon Ragasa
- ABC News: China Cancels Schools and Flights for Typhoon
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Typhoon
- South China Morning Post: China Braces for Super Typhoon Ragasa
- Google News: Typhoon Ragasa
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