Typhoon Ragasa puts southern China on alert after powerful landfall in the Philippines

Typhoon Ragasa is moving across the South China Sea and is forecast to pass south of Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen and Guangzhou before making landfall in Guangdong. Authorities have suspended classes, halted some public transport and prepared large-scale evacuations as the system continues to drive severe winds and heavy rain. Airlines across the region have already cancelled or rescheduled services.

In the Philippines, where Typhoon Ragasa made an earlier landfall, communities in Cagayan and the Babuyan Islands reported damaged homes, blocked roads and landslides. Officials confirmed thousands of evacuations and several fatalities at sea after a fishing boat capsized while sheltering from the storm. Heavy rain alerts remain in force for northern Luzon as outer rainbands continue to sweep the area.

Regional emergency plans have intensified as Typhoon Ragasa tracks west-north-west. Guangzhou is preparing to issue its highest alert, and Shenzhen has arranged the relocation of residents from low-lying and coastal districts. The Hong Kong Observatory has warned of large swells and storm surge, with some areas at risk of water levels several metres above normal. Supermarkets in major cities saw queues as families stocked up on essentials.

Air travel has been hit across Taiwan, Hong Kong and southern China. Airlines have paused or reduced operations, with further disruption likely if the storm track edges closer to the Pearl River Delta. Travellers from London who are transiting via the region are advised to recheck itineraries and monitor airline updates.

The human impact remains stark in the Philippines. “Among the most affected are the farmers, including my parents. It’s a very sad event,” said Cagayan resident Orlando Bartolome Labio. Rescue teams in northern Luzon have moved families from exposed homes and cleared debris from landslide-hit roads.

At the time of writing, forecasters expect a gradual weakening as Typhoon Ragasa approaches southern China, although damaging gusts and intense rainfall are still likely. For official updates on warnings and storm surge guidance, readers should consult the <u>tropical cyclone bulletin</u> issued by local meteorological authorities.

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