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Hong Kong (September 24, 2025) — Super Typhoon Ragasa, one of the most powerful storms of the year, slammed into Hong Kong and the southern China coast Wednesday, bringing sustained winds of around 100 mph (160 km/h), torrential rain, flooding, and widespread damage. Al Jazeera
Storm Path & Intensity
Ragasa first ravaged parts of the northern Philippines and southern Taiwan, triggering heavy flooding and casualties there. ABC News In Taiwan alone, at least 17 deaths were reported following the overflow of a barrier lake in Hualien County. AP News Al Jazeera
The typhoon then moved westward toward southern China. It made landfall near Hailing Island, Guangdong Province, with maximum winds of 144 km/h (≈ 89 mph) in the center at the time of landfall. AP News+2Reuters+2 Meteorological agencies recorded gusts reaching 241 km/h (≈ 150 mph) around Jiangmen City. AP News+1 As it neared Hong Kong, it was still strong enough to produce hurricane‑force winds and dangerous storm surges. Reuters+3Wikipedia+3ABC News+3
In Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Observatory escalated the warning levels: the Hurricane Signal No. 10 (its highest category) was issued early Wednesday before later being downgraded to Signal No. 8 as the storm began to move away. Wikipedia+2ABC News+2 Sustained winds in Hong Kong ranged between 112–153 km/h (70–95 mph) with gusts exceeding 184 km/h (114 mph) in some areas. Al Jazeera+2Wikipedia+2
Impacts in Hong Kong
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Widespread flooding submerged streets, promenades, and low‑lying areas. Wikipedia+3ABC News+3Reuters+3
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Trees uprooted, infrastructure damaged, and parts of buildings and glass facades shattered. ABC News+2Reuters+2
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Footage circulated online showing hotel interiors flooded and waves crashing through doors.
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Over 90 people were treated for injuries in hospitals across the territory.
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Flights, schools, and many businesses were shut down. Hundreds of flights were canceled or suspended, and many residents sought shelter in emergency centers. Reuters+3ABC News+3Reuters+3
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In Macau, flooding and power outages were reported, and rescue teams used inflatable boats to reach stranded residents. AP News
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Authorities warned of hidden dangers, such as submerged hazards, loose debris, and continuing gusts even after the eye had passed. ABC News
Broader Regional Effects & Response
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In Guangdong Province, China, nearly 1.9 million people were evacuated ahead of the storm’s arrival. AP News+2Reuters+2
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Chinese authorities also issued the highest red wave warnings, anticipating storm surges of up to 2.8 meters (9 feet) along parts of the Guangdong coast. Reuters+1
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The airport in Hong Kong (HKIA) was closed for more than 36 hours, marking one of the longest shutdowns in its history, and many airlines relocated aircraft as a precaution. Wikipedia+2Reuters+2
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Airlines such as Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines, and Greater Bay Airlines evacuated their aircraft to safer locations.
Challenges & Lessons
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Urban vulnerability: Dense development, coastal exposure, and steep terrain increase risks during intense storms.
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Climate trends: Many meteorologists warn that warming oceans may fuel stronger, more frequent typhoons in the region. Reuters
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Disaster readiness: The rapid issuance of warnings, large-scale evacuations, and infrastructural precautions likely mitigated what could have been even more severe consequences.
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