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Guangdong Province Braces for Super Typhoon Ragasa

Beijing: In response to Super Typhoon Ragasa, which is being described as one of the most formidable storms to impact the region in recent years, Guangdong province has evacuated over 371,000 residents. Major cities, including the tech hub Shenzhen, have implemented shutdowns to prepare for the impending storm.

The province elevated its emergency response to the highest level on Tuesday, anticipating that Ragasa will make landfall in the central or western coastal regions.

More than ten cities have declared the closure of markets, schools, factories, and public transport, urging residents to remain indoors and stock up on essential supplies, as reported by the South China Morning Post.

The Guangdong government confirmed that over 371,000 individuals have been evacuated, with helicopters, drones, 23 ships, and 38,000 firefighters on standby.

Additionally, the central government has dispatched evacuation and disaster relief supplies, including over 60,000 tents, beds, lights, and family kits, according to state-run Xinhua news agency.

Shenzhen's airport and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao bridge have been closed since Monday.

Flight data from the Chinese app DAST indicated that by Tuesday noon, Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport had canceled 210 outgoing flights and 319 incoming ones.

All bus, taxi, and subway services are set to cease by Tuesday evening, with highways also being closed.

Guangzhou has canceled all flights until Wednesday evening, while Zhuhai has suspended 21 flights on Tuesday, as reported.

Businesses in Shenzhen are taking precautions by taping windows and securing outdoor items. Authorities have also trimmed over 18,000 trees to mitigate risks.

Workers at the Ping An Finance Centre, one of the tallest buildings globally, stated that the structure is prepared for the typhoon, having implemented measures to ensure its safety and stability.

Experts will closely monitor the nearly 1,969-foot-tall skyscraper to assess its resilience during the super typhoon, which was designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 288 kilometers per hour and previously endured Super Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018.