Super Typhoon Ragasa Approaches: Hong Kong Activates Comprehensive Disaster Response Measures

Hong Kong authorities are mobilizing to address the severe risks posed by Super Typhoon Ragasa, a formidable storm projected to bring hurricane-force winds with sustained speeds of up to 220 km/h (137 mph) in the coming days. This intensity could surpass the record set by Super Typhoon Saola in 2023, which recorded maximum sustained winds of 210 km/h.

The Hong Kong Observatory announced that it will issue a Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 1 at 12:00 PM on Monday. The Education Bureau is set to provide guidance on school operations for Tuesday by Monday afternoon.

The Observatory’s forecast indicates that Ragasa—named after a Filipino term denoting swift motion—will approach the Luzon Strait, intensifying over the next 48 hours before nearing Guangdong’s coast by Tuesday. Hurricane-force winds, defined as sustained speeds of at least 118 km/h, could trigger the issuance of the Observatory’s highest Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 10 if they are expected to impact Hong Kong directly.

Projections from the Observatory’s storm tracking system suggest that Ragasa’s wind speeds may peak at 220 km/h on Tuesday, eclipsing not only Saola’s 2023 record but also the 185 km/h maximum sustained winds of Super Typhoons Hato (2017) and Mangkhut (2018). Notably, Mangkhut, one of the city’s most destructive storms, generated peak gusts of 256 km/h upon landfall in Guangdong.

Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki convened a high-level interdepartmental meeting to coordinate comprehensive preparedness measures in response to the significant threats posed by Ragasa. The Drainage Services Department has completed inspections and desilting operations at approximately 240 critical sites, increasing its emergency response teams from 180 to 200. Additionally, the department has distributed more than double the typical allocation of sandbags to low-lying and flood-prone areas.

The Highways Department has conducted briefings for its personnel and implemented targeted measures, including inspections of public roads susceptible to flooding. Both CLP Power and HK Electric have taken proactive steps to ensure a stable power supply, including fortifying power stations and implementing flood mitigation protocols.

The Airport Authority has initiated storm preparedness protocols, focusing on apron safety, flight operations, and contingency planning. It is maintaining close coordination with government agencies, airlines, and other aviation stakeholders to ensure operational resilience.

These coordinated efforts underscore Hong Kong’s commitment to safeguarding public safety and infrastructure in the face of Super Typhoon Ragasa’s potentially record-breaking impact.