Guangdong Province, China, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Super Typhoon Ragasa is set to hit Southern China after causing destruction in the Philippines, including three fatalities and widespread displacement. The storm boasts maximum sustained winds of 143 mph and is projected to make landfall in Guangdong province, prompting significant emergency measures. Schools are closed, flights are canceled, and officials are preparing to evacuate thousands in high-risk areas. As the storm approaches, residents are stockpiling supplies and reinforcing their homes against anticipated severe flooding and high winds.
Southern China Braces for Super Typhoon Ragasa
Southern Chinese cities are bracing for Super Typhoon Ragasa, which has already wreaked havoc in the Philippines, leaving three dead and displacing thousands due to severe flooding and landslides. The Hong Kong Observatory has categorized Ragasa as a super typhoon, recording maximum sustained winds of approximately 143 mph (230 kph). The storm is projected to move west-northwest at about 14 mph (22 kph) toward the coast of Guangdong province, with landfall expected between Shenzhen city and Xuwen county on Wednesday.
In preparation for Ragasa’s arrival, authorities have implemented various emergency measures. The Hong Kong Observatory plans to issue storm warning signal No. 8, the third-highest in its alert system, as water levels could rise significantly. Current estimates predict water levels could increase by about 2 meters (6.5 feet) and possibly reach up to 4 to 5 meters (13.1 to 16.4 feet) in some areas. Residents are actively preparing, filling sandbags, erecting barriers, and taping windows. Many supermarkets are facing empty shelves as locals stockpile food and other essential supplies.
Schools across Hong Kong and Macao have suspended classes, and cities such as Shenzhen, Foshan, and Haikou have also canceled educational activities. Travel disruptions are widespread, with hundreds of flights at Hong Kong International Airport already canceled. Shenzhen Airport has halted all flights from Tuesday night as a precaution. Meanwhile, the Macao government has activated its emergency response mechanism, anticipating that Ragasa will pass within 62 miles (100 kilometers) south of the region.
The Philippines dealt with serious consequences from Ragasa, recording at least three fatalities, including a 74-year-old man trapped in a vehicle during a landslide. Over 17,500 people have been displaced, leading to government closures of schools and offices in the capital region and northern provinces in response to the severe weather conditions. All fishing boats and ferries in the area were instructed not to venture out due to extremely rough seas.
Damage reports are already surfacing in the northern Cagayan Province, where Ragasa made landfall, revealing destroyed homes and fallen trees. A search and rescue operation is underway for six fishermen who went missing after their boat capsized in the rough seas. In total, over 24,000 individuals have been evacuated from vulnerable areas across northern and central Luzon as a precautionary measure.
Officials in Shenzhen are preparing to evacuate approximately 400,000 people from high-risk areas in advance of the storm. With expectations of heavy rainfall accumulating up to 280 mm (11 inches) in Guangdong, rail services throughout the province will be suspended starting midday Tuesday. The Hong Kong International Airport is gearing up for significant disruptions, foreseeing the cancellation of over 500 Cathay Pacific flights.
As Ragasa starts to weaken slightly, it remains a formidable Category 4 hurricane, maintaining sustained winds around 145 mph (230 kph). Meanwhile, state weather services in Taiwan predict extreme rainfall in eastern regions, as preparations for the incoming typhoon continue. Video footage from Taiwan already shows rough seas and powerful winds as Ragasa’s outer bands impact the area. Notable imagery captured from space by Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui aboard the International Space Station depicts the vast scale of Ragasa.
Key Features at a Glance
- Super Typhoon Ragasa expected to make landfall in Guangdong province, China.
- Max sustained winds: 143 mph (230 kph).
- Water levels projected to rise by up to 5 meters.
- Schools closed and significant flight cancellations in Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
- Previous impact in the Philippines: 3 dead, over 17,500 displaced.
FAQ Section
What is Super Typhoon Ragasa and where is it headed?
What impact has Ragasa had on the Philippines?
What preparations are being made in anticipation of Typhoon Ragasa?
Chart of Storm Features
| Feature | Data |
|---|---|
| Max Sustained Winds | 143 mph (230 kph) |
| Predicted Landfall Area | Between Shenzhen city and Xuwen county, Guangdong Province |
| Expected Water Level Rise | 4 to 5 meters (13.1 to 16.4 feet) |
| Schools Closed | Yes, in several cities including Hong Kong and Shenzhen |
| Flights Canceled | Over 500 flights in Hong Kong |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- CNN: Southern China Prepares for Super Typhoon Ragasa
- Wikipedia: Typhoon
- China Daily: Typhoon Ragasa Updates
- Google Search: Super Typhoon Ragasa
- Al Jazeera: Super Typhoon Heads to Taiwan and Hong Kong
- Google Scholar: Typhoon Ragasa
- ABC News: China Cancels Schools and Flights for Typhoon
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Typhoon
- South China Morning Post: China Braces for Super Typhoon Ragasa
- Google News: Typhoon Ragasa
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
