Typhoon Ragasa, the latest and strongest storm of 2023, made landfall in the northern Philippines earlier this week, delivering devastating winds and precipitation. On Monday, the Category 5 super typhoon made landfall at Panuitan island in Cagayan province. It sustained unprecedented winds of over 267 kph (165 mph), which classified it as a Category 5 hurricane. With the storm moving up the coast, officials in Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen and Guangzhou prepare for the storm’s arrival and possibility.
In the Philippines, Typhoon Ragasa brought damaging winds and heavy rain. The storm caused severe rain-induced flooding and landslides throughout northern and central Luzon. One flooding-related landslide in Benguet, where the clean-up is ongoing, led to one confirmed death with 70 others injured. Thanks in part to Ragasa’s early warning, over 10,000 people were preemptively evacuated from at-risk regions.
The Philippine government had already warned of “life-threatening” conditions before Typhoon Ragasa made landfall. Beyond the everyday impacts to life, the storm absolutely devastated the travel landscape. Taiwan’s main international airport, Taoyuan, saw hundreds of flights canceled, stranding thousands of travelers in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and southern China. Cathay Pacific, a leading airline based in Hong Kong, suspended all passenger flights to and from the city from Tuesday evening until Thursday morning.
Even as Typhoon Ragasa moves on, the storm will most likely weaken a bit, though still pack a serious punch. As of now it has 145 mph (230 kph) sustained winds, making it a strong Category 4 hurricane. The storm is projected to pass just south of major urban centers including Hong Kong and Macau before making landfall in Guangdong Province, mainland China.
In light of this looming threat, Chinese authorities have implemented precautionary steps. Guangzhou city is expected to release its strongest red alert as Typhoon Ragasa nears. Emergency services as always are at the highest level of alert and precaution, prepared to render immediate assistance to anyone in dark flood waters.
The situation is quickly evolving as Typhoon Ragasa approaches the coast of mainland China. It’s a tragic reminder of storms that are becoming more intense and frequent, putting Louisiana’s families at risk. As communities in the Philippines recover from the immediate impacts of the storm, attention now shifts to preparedness efforts in Hong Kong and southern China.
