The South China Sea is once again making headlines, and not for calm waters.
Super Typhoon Ragasa, the strongest tropical cyclone of the year, is racing toward China, threatening tens of millions of residents in Guangdong province.
Nearly two million people were evacuated overnight as the so-called “King of Storms” barrels toward one of China’s most densely populated regions.
Ragasa has already left a trail of destruction in Taiwan, where 14 lives have been lost and dozens remain missing.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong has felt the storm’s full force, with hurricane-strength winds and torrential rain causing injuries and disruption across the city.
Evacuations and Emergency Measures in Guangdong
Authorities in Guangdong, China’s most populous province, have taken no chances.
Schools and businesses have been closed, and evacuation orders have moved nearly two million residents to safer areas.
Emergency services have dispatched tens of thousands of tents, folding beds, lighting equipment, and other vital supplies to cities along the storm’s projected path.
The cities of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, and Dongguan are particularly at risk, home to roughly 50 million people collectively.
Officials are urging residents to remain indoors and follow safety directives as the storm approaches.
Shenzhen Faces Flood Warnings
Shenzhen, the bustling metropolis linking Hong Kong to mainland China, is bracing for severe flooding.
China’s National Maritime Environmental Forecasting Center issued a “red” wave warning—the highest level—for the first time this year, predicting storm surges of up to nine feet in low-lying areas.
Residents have been warned to stay alert, as waves and heavy rain could inundate streets and cause significant damage.
Hong Kong and Macau Grapple with Typhoon Damage
Hong Kong’s typhoon signal was lowered from 10 to 8 on Wednesday, but the city remains largely locked down.
Businesses and public transport services are closed to minimize damage, and at least 50 people have been reported injured.
The government has opened 50 temporary shelters, which are currently housing 791 residents.
Nearby Macau has also felt the impact, with casinos forced to close gambling areas and guests unable to leave the properties they are staying in.
How Ragasa Became a Super Typhoon
Ragasa formed over the Western Pacific last week, fueled by warm seas and favorable atmospheric conditions.
The storm rapidly intensified, reaching Category 5 status on Monday with winds exceeding 260 kph (162 mph).
Though it has since weakened to a Category 3 typhoon, it remains capable of downing trees and power lines, shattering windows, and causing serious property damage.
Key Facts About Super Typhoon Ragasa
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Ragasa is expected to make landfall in Guangdong between Yangjiang and Zhanjiang tonight at around 10 pm local time (3 pm UK time).
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The storm has already caused destruction in the Philippines, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
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Guangdong authorities have evacuated nearly two million people as hurricane-force winds of over 100 mph approach.
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Emergency supplies and personnel have been deployed across the province.
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Taiwan has reported 14 fatalities and 129 missing people following the overflow of a barrier lake.
Preparing for the Worst
Residents are being urged to take the storm seriously and remain indoors until it passes.
Authorities are stressing the importance of heeding evacuation orders, protecting property where possible, and avoiding travel during the storm.
As Ragasa barrels toward southern China, millions of people are watching the skies nervously, hoping the precautions and rapid response will limit the storm’s impact.
Daily Mail Live Coverage
The Daily Mail continues to provide live updates on Super Typhoon Ragasa.
Stay tuned for the latest developments, emergency announcements, and images from the affected areas as the storm moves through Guangdong province and beyond.