Hong Kong Prepares To Face Super Ragasa Typhoons

UNSPLASH/Nic Low ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - Hong Kong has set Level 8 out of 10 possible levels of weather warnings in preparation for the Super Ragasa Typhoon, which is expected to reach the city on Wednesday (24/9).

Typhoons based on the latest data will be closest to the Muara Sungai Mutiara (Pearl River) on September 24 morning, thus imposing a storm signal number 8 for Super Ragasa Typhoons.

At 18.00 (17.00 WIB), Typhoon Super Ragasa is centered about 300 kilometers southeast of Hong Kong and is expected to move to the northwest at a speed of about 22 kilometers per hour, approaching the Muara Sungai Mutiara (Pearl River) on the west coast of Guangdong, according to the observatory reported by ANTARA from Sputnik, Tuesday, September 23.

The eighth level of warning means that the wind with an average speed of 63 kilometers per hour or more is expected to occur.

According to a South China Morning Post newspaper report, more than 700 flights have been canceled at Hong Kong International Airport since Tuesday night.

Cathay Pacific Airlines announced the cancellation of 500 flights, HK Express - 100 flights, Hong Kong Airlines will cancel about 90 flights, and Hong Kong Greater Bay Airlines - at least 23 flights.

Kindergarten, elementary and secondary schools closed Tuesday and Wednesday, as well as tram and ferry services have also been discontinued.

The power of Typhoon Ragasa is comparable to that of Typhoon Hato and Mangkhut which hit southern China in 2017 and 2018. In both periods, the 10th highest level of warning was issued in Hong Kong, according to a newspaper report.

According to current weather forecasts, Typhoon Ragasa will not reach significant mainland areas, so there is a serious threat to the coast of Guangdong Province, said Choy Chun-wing, a senior researcher at the observatory.

The observatory recommends that residents and Hong Kong visitors close all windows and doors, install duct tape to reduce damage and injury if broken, and clean the drain pipe as soon as possible.

It is also recommended to stay away from windows, park the car in a safe place, and avoid visiting flood-prone areas.