Super Typhoon Ragasa prompts mass evacuations, school closures across Hong Kong and southern China

Authorities in Hong Kong and mainland China have taken extensive emergency measures as Super Typhoon Ragasa, one of the most powerful storms to threaten the region in recent years, moves toward the northern South China Sea.

Meteorologists warn the storm could bring destructive winds, torrential rain, and dangerous storm surges when it makes landfall in Guangdong province late Sep 22 or early Sep 23.

The Hong Kong Observatory raised the No. 8 storm signal, its third-highest alert, early Sep 22. The warning prompted the closure of schools, offices, and many businesses.

City officials said ferry services were suspended and hundreds of flights were canceled or diverted at Hong Kong International Airport as winds strengthened through the day.

In Guangdong province, the Ministry of Emergency Management reported that more than 770,000 residents had already been evacuated from low-lying and coastal areas.

Authorities in the cities of Zhuhai, Taishan, and Zhanjiang ordered additional relocations and prepared shelters capable of housing tens of thousands of people. Public transportation in several cities has been curtailed, and fishing boats have been recalled to port.

Ragasa was tracking west-northwest at about 22 km/h (13.7 mph) with sustained winds near the center estimated between 195 and 220 km/h, according to the Hong Kong Observatory.

Meteorologists warned that storm surges could raise water levels two to five meters above normal tides in vulnerable coastal zones, increasing the risk of flooding and infrastructure damage.

In neighboring Macau, casinos and entertainment venues closed for the second time this year due to an approaching typhoon. Schools were shut and residents were urged to remain indoors until the storm passed.

Chinese state media reported that President Xi Jinping called for “all-out disaster prevention and relief measures,” emphasizing the need to protect lives and property.

Emergency response teams and medical personnel have been deployed across the Pearl River Delta region, and power companies have been instructed to prepare for potential outages.

The Hong Kong government said essential services such as hospitals and emergency shelters will remain operational. Officials advised residents to secure loose objects, avoid waterfront areas, and stay tuned to official updates until the storm has safely moved inland.

Meteorologists expect Ragasa to weaken slightly after landfall but warned that heavy rainfall could continue for several days, posing risks of flash floods and landslides across southern China.