Mass Evacuations in Southern China Ahead of Year's Strongest Storm

Beijing, 23 Sep (ONA) --- Authorities in China have relocated hundreds of thousands of residents and directed at least ten cities to suspend classes and commercial activities as the country braces for the most powerful storm of the year, Super Typhoon Ragasa. The storm is forecast to make landfall in Guangdong Province tomorrow (Wednesday), prompting the evacuation of approximately 370,000 people amid official warnings of potentially catastrophic conditions.

Hong Kong has raised its typhoon signal to Level 8—two notches below the highest alert—ahead of the typhoon’s arrival. Referred to as the “King of Storms” by the China Meteorological Administration, Ragasa is projected to track toward northern Vietnam in the coming days, potentially impacting millions of residents.

Hong Kong International Airport has announced that significant disruptions to flight operations are expected beginning 18:00 local time today and continuing through tomorrow (Wednesday). More than 500 Cathay Pacific flights are likely to be cancelled, while Hong Kong Airlines has suspended all outbound flights from the city.

Across southern China, shop owners have been reinforcing storefronts with sandbags, and residents in low-lying coastal areas are preparing for possible tidal surges. Many households and businesses have also taped windows to mitigate potential damage.

Although Taiwan saw Ragasa pass overnight with limited impact, at least six people were injured and over 100 international flights cancelled. The typhoon also struck a remote island in the northern Philippines on Monday, resulting in at least one fatality. Thousands of families had been evacuated prior to landfall, and schools and government offices were closed across large parts of the country, including the capital, Manila.

--- Ends/Khalid