Super Typhoon Ragasa slammed into the southern part of China, prompting complete shutdown of schools and businesses in at least 10 cities on Tuesday. This came a day after it prompted the evacuation of thousands from northern Philippine villages and led to the closure of schools and offices in the Philippines and neighboring Taiwan, as it threatened flooding and landslides.It is expected to stay over the South China Sea at least until Wednesday, passing south of Taiwan and Hong Kong before making landfall on the Chinese mainland.Top developments:
‘Please don’t go out casually’: China alerts citizens
Chinese authorities alerted the citizens about the typhoon and urged them not to go out “casually.”“Except for emergency rescue personnel and those ensuring people’s livelihood, please do not go out casually,” AFP quoted Shenzhen emergency authority saying.In Shenzhen, around 4,00,000 residents, particularly those in low-lying and flood-prone areas, were set to be relocated, while the city’s airport announced it would stop operations beginning Tuesday night.
Government work suspended in Philippines
Locally known as Nando, the typhoon caused widespread disruption across northern Philippines as it slammed into Panuitan island off Cagayan province with sustained winds of 215 kph (134 mph) and gusts up to 295 kph (183 mph). Thousands of people were evacuated from villages, while over 8,200 residents in Cagayan and 1,220 in Apayao were moved to emergency shelters. Power outages were reported on Calayan island and throughout Apayao, and domestic flights and inter-island ferries were suspended due to rough seas. Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr also suspended government work and classes in Manila and 29 northern provinces to ensure public safety.
Daily life disrupted in Taiwan
In Taiwan, Ragasa prompted authorities in southern Taitung and Pingtung counties to close schools and offices in coastal and mountainous areas, as well as on Orchid and Green islands. Ferry services to outlying islands were suspended, and afternoon flights were canceled to protect passengers from the typhoon’s severe winds and rough seas. Residents were advised to remain indoors and take precautionary measures against potential flooding and landslides.Strong winds and torrential rains brought by Ragasa disrupted daily life and transport across the affected regions. Coastal communities were warned of the risk of storm surges, and local officials coordinated emergency measures to safeguard lives and property.
