Super Typhoon Ragasa slams South China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Philippines; 17 dead, millions evacuated

New Delhi (India) September 24: One of the most powerful typhoons in recent memory, Typhoon Ragasa, left Taiwan and the Philippines on Wednesday. It is now creating havoc in Hong Kong and throughout the southern coast of China. The fatal typhoon is expected to make landfall on Wednesday evening between the cities of Zhanjiang and Yangjiang. This is as per the statements of the national weather agency.

Mass Evacuations in Guangdong

As typhoon Ragasa drew closer, Guangdong Province in China suspended corporate operations, public transit, production, and courses. The typhoon is predicted to bring severe winds and a lot of rain. China's National Meteorological Center has issued an orange notice.

Authorities on mainland China ordered businesses and schools to close. Millions of people in at least ten southern cities are affected by the cyclone.

Guangdong's emergency administration report that as of Tuesday evening, over 1.89 million people had been moved throughout the province's several cities. 

Before the strong storm made landfall, millions of people were evacuated from Guangdong province in southern China. The National Meteorological Centre said that the Pearl River Delta area was already feeling the effects of Ragasa. Local officials prepared for flooding concerns, including potential stormwater backflow.

Hong Kong Shuts Airport, Airlines Divert Global Flights

Hong Kong-based airlines face flight cancellations and lost income during the rapidly approaching Typhoon Ragasa. The city's four major airlines had to ground or move almost 80% of their aircraft to airports in Europe, Australia, China, Japan, and Cambodia. Most of Hong Kong's fleet of corporate jets left the area before the typhoon hit.

Hong Kong airport suspended all landings and departures for 36 hours from Tuesday evening onwards.

The storm passed 150 kilometers southwest of the Chinese colony on Wednesday. It caused Hong Kong's weather services to issue their highest typhoon warning of "T10". They also warn of potential landslides.

Taiwan Barrier Lake Collapse Adds to Fatal Flooding

Authorities in eastern Taiwan said a barrier lake exploded in the middle of regular rains caused by Super Typhoon Ragasa. It has also hit Hong Kong with strong winds and waves. The typhoon killed 17 people and left 17 more missing.

According to the Hualien County Fire Department, most of the deceased were old individuals. They were unable to flee the rising floodwaters from Guangfu Township's Matai'an Creek Barrier Lake.

Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te announced on Facebook that the military and all government ministries had been called upon to assist with disaster cleanup and emergency response.

He said, ‘Everyone must remain vigilant. All frontline disaster response personnel are urged to put their own safety first while carrying out their duties.”

Scientists caution that the consequences of human-caused climate change are making storms stronger as the planet heats.