Super Typhoon Ragasa Brings Chaos to Hong Kong, Guangdong, and Taiwan
As Super Typhoon Ragasa approached the coast, panic buying swept through Hong Kong, with residents rushing into supermarkets and leaving shelves nearly empty. Many stocked up on essentials, fearing shops could close for up to two days.
Homes and businesses were reinforced, with windows taped up to reduce damage from flying debris. Ragasa, carrying winds of up to 220 km/h (137 mph), is now a “severe threat” to Guangdong province, according to the Hong Kong Observatory. The storm is expected to maintain super typhoon strength as it nears the coast and impacts Hong Kong, mainland China, and Taiwan after passing the northern Philippines on Monday. Landfall in Guangdong is forecast from midday to late Wednesday.
Authorities in Guangdong have evacuated over 770,000 people, with more than one million expected to be relocated across the province on Tuesday, state media CCTV reported.
Hong Kong raised its typhoon warning to Signal 8 at 2:20 p.m. local time (0620 GMT), prompting most businesses and transport services to close. Over 700 flights have been disrupted, affecting not only Hong Kong but also neighboring Macau and Taiwan. Officials warned that weather conditions could worsen later on Tuesday, with the possibility of an even higher warning.
Hurricane-force winds and heavy rain are expected, increasing the risk of storm surges and flooding in the densely populated city. Rising water levels could reach two metres (six feet) along coastal areas, with some locations seeing up to five metres (15 feet), reminiscent of Typhoons Hato (2017) and Mangkhut (2018). Residents have been urged to take precautions.
Local authorities distributed sandbags to protect homes in low-lying areas, while residents stockpiled food and supplies. “We shut the windows and doors closely at home and checked for leaks,” said Mak, a 35-year-old resident preparing for the typhoon.
Some businesses tried to benefit from people staying home. A bar on Lantau Island offered a 20% discount on all drinks during the T8 signal. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange, however, will remain open, following a policy change that allows trading to continue regardless of the weather.
At its peak on Monday, Ragasa reached Category 5 strength with sustained winds of 260 km/h (162 mph), making it the world’s most powerful storm of 2025. Although slightly weakened to Category 4, it remains capable of severe damage along the Chinese coast.
In Guangdong, more than 11 cities—including tech hub Shenzhen and coastal city Zhuhai—have suspended work, schools, and transport due to warnings of storm surges and high waves. Coastal waters may see waves as high as seven metres (21 feet), according to China’s Environmental Forecasting Centre. Emergency shelters have been prepared in Shenzhen, and crews are clearing tree branches to reduce hazards.
Macau, the world’s largest gambling hub, will close all casinos by 5 p.m. local time (0900 GMT) as Typhoon Signal 8 is raised. Meanwhile, Taiwan has received nearly 60 cm (24 inches) of rain in its mountainous east, with 25 people injured and 273 flights canceled over two days.
The region braces for a potentially devastating storm, with authorities urging everyone to stay vigilant and take precautions.
Reporting by Jessie Pang, Hong Kong and Beijing; Ben Blanchard and Yimou Lee, Taipei; Writing by Farah Master; Editing by Anne Marie Roantree, Neil Fullick, and Michael Perry
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