China is currently facing the threat of Super Typhoon Ragasa, which has led to mass evacuations along the southern coast. So far, over 370,000 individuals have been relocated from areas deemed at high risk due to the impending storm. Preparations are underway as cities implement safety measures, closing schools and businesses to ensure the safety of residents.
Hong Kong has raised its typhoon warning to level eight, indicating severe weather is imminent. Authorities have cautioned that Ragasa is expected to make landfall in Guangdong province by Wednesday, raising concerns about potential catastrophic impacts in the region. The storm has already been dubbed the King of Storms by the meteorological agency due to its intensity, with wind gusts reportedly soaring to 285km/h (177mph).
In the lead-up to the storm, supermarkets in Hong Kong saw a rush as residents stockpiled essential goods, leading to empty shelves of bread, vegetables, and meat. The Hong Kong International Airport is bracing for significant flight disruptions starting Tuesday evening, as airlines prepare for the storm's impact.
As Ragasa moves towards northern Vietnam after its landfall, officials warn that millions may be affected as it transitions from being a super typhoon to a tropical storm. This follows similar situations in the Philippines, where the storm caused casualties and required evacuations.
The connection between climate change and intensified tropical storms continues to be scrutinized, with predictions suggesting that global warming may increase the severity of storms like Ragasa in the future.
