Schools closed, flights cancelled as Typhoon Ragasa nears HK, China

Hong Kong and parts of southern China are bracing for Super Typhoon Ragasa, which has already forced the closure of schools and cancellation of flights. Authorities in Guangdong province and Hong Kong have placed multiple cities on high alert as the storm approaches with winds of nearly 195 km/h.

Ragasa earlier swept through the northern Philippines, toppling trees, damaging buildings, and killing at least two people. Thousands there were moved into evacuation centres and schools for safety.

In Hong Kong, the Observatory issued its highest warning signal, T10, warning of storm surges and high waves. Local residents were seen preparing sandbags and stocking supplies. The government has cautioned that the typhoon could cause severe flooding and power outages.

Chinese cities including Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, and Dongguan have taken precautionary measures. In Shenzhen, nearly 400,000 people were evacuated as a safety step. Airlines, including Cathay Pacific, have cancelled over 500 flights, with no departures allowed after 10:00 GMT.

Officials warn Ragasa could be one of the strongest storms in recent years, drawing comparisons with super typhoons in 2017 and 2018. Scientists say such storms are becoming more intense due to climate change.