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**Summary:**

Super Typhoon Ragasa is churning through the Luzon Strait and into the South China Sea, posing a significant threat to the Philippines, mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. The storm is expected to be one of the strongest in recent years, potentially rivalling Typhoons Hato (2017) and Mawar (2024). Authorities are urging residents to take precautions. Taiwan is already experiencing effects, and the worst impacts are expected in mainland China and Hong Kong by Wednesday, prompting evacuations, school closures, flight cancellations, and widespread preparations. Forecasters predict landfall in Guangdong, China, followed by a brief return to the Gulf of Tonkin before hitting northern Vietnam. The storm’s intensity is causing widespread concern and prompting large-scale emergency response measures.

**News Article:**

**Super Typhoon Ragasa Threatens Southern China, Hong Kong, and Macau; Mass Evacuations and Preparations Underway**

*Hong Kong/Guangdong/Manila* – Super Typhoon Ragasa is barreling towards southern China and the surrounding regions, prompting mass evacuations, school closures, and widespread preparations as authorities brace for what could be one of the strongest storms in recent years.

The typhoon, currently located in the South China Sea after passing north of the Philippines, is expected to make landfall along the coast of Guangdong province, China, on Wednesday. Meteorologists are forecasting winds exceeding 223 kilometers per hour (138 mph), classifying it as a Category 4-equivalent hurricane.

“Ragasa is exceptionally strong, exceeding even the intensity of recent storms like Mangkhut and Hato,” stated Liang Rongwu, a former Assistant Director of the Hong Kong Observatory.

**Widespread Disruptions Expected**

The impending storm is already causing significant disruptions:

* **Mainland China:** Guangdong province is preparing to evacuate hundreds of thousands of residents from coastal areas and low-lying regions. All high-speed and regular trains in Guangdong have been cancelled for Wednesday.

* **Hong Kong:** The Hong Kong Observatory has issued a No. 8 Gale or Storm Signal, effective Tuesday afternoon. Schools will be closed for two consecutive days, and hundreds of flights are expected to be cancelled at Hong Kong International Airport. Panic buying of groceries and supplies has been reported across the city. Officials warn that coastal water levels could reach heights similar to those seen during the devastating Typhoons Hato (2017) and Mangkhut (2018).

* **Macau:** Authorities in Macau are urging residents to stockpile three days’ worth of food and water, fearing Ragasa could be the strongest typhoon to hit the region since Hato, which caused widespread damage and fatalities in 2017. Macau officials warned water levels could exceed streets by about two meters.

* **Taiwan:** While Ragasa is not expected to make direct landfall in Taiwan, the island is already experiencing strong winds and heavy rainfall. Some counties in the south and east have suspended work and school. Flights to and from eastern Taiwan and Hong Kong/Macau are experiencing significant delays and cancellations.

**Authorities on High Alert**

Chinese authorities have raised the typhoon emergency response to its second-highest level. In Hong Kong, a newly formed “Steering Committee on Handling Extreme Weather” is coordinating emergency response efforts, with Chief Executive John Lee vowing “early deployment” of resources.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a full mobilization of emergency services in the Philippines, where at least 10,000 people have already been evacuated from vulnerable areas. The storm made landfall on Calayan Island, north of Luzon, Monday afternoon.

Forecasters warn that Ragasa will continue to pose a significant threat as it moves inland, with potential for widespread flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage. Residents are urged to follow official advisories and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

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