Typhoon Ragasa Brings Chaos to Hong Kong and South China: Authorities Scramble to Evacuate Hundreds of Thousands

Typhoon Ragasa: Hong Kong and South China Braces as Super Typhoon Nears HONG KONG - As the strongest storm of the year, Super Typhoon Ragasa, bears down on southern China, authorities have evacuated hundreds of thousands of people and ordered the closure of schools and businesses in at least 10 cities. The storm is expected to make landfall in Guangdong province on Wednesday, prompting warnings of a "catastrophic" situation. According to China's meteorological agency, Ragasa has been dubbed the "King of Storms," with winds reaching up to 160 kilometers per hour (100 miles per hour). Hong Kong has upgraded its typhoon warning to eight, just two levels below the maximum, as residents scramble for supplies and prepare to hunker down. "Super Typhoon Ragasa is a serious threat to life and property in southern China," said a spokesperson for the Guangdong Provincial Government. "We urge everyone to take necessary precautions and follow evacuation orders." The storm's impact on Hong Kong's economy has already begun, with supermarket shelves emptied of fresh bread, vegetables, meat, and instant noodles as residents stock up for the worst. The city's international airport has also suspended flights until further notice. Market analysts predict a significant economic hit from the storm, citing potential losses in the billions of dollars. "The impact on Hong Kong's economy will be substantial," said an analyst at a leading investment bank. "We expect a decline in GDP growth and a possible increase in inflation due to supply chain disruptions." In addition to the human toll, Ragasa is also expected to affect millions in northern Vietnam as it moves northwards. The Vietnamese government has issued warnings of potential flooding and landslides. As the storm approaches, residents are bracing for the worst. "We're preparing for the worst-case scenario," said a resident of Guangzhou. "We've stocked up on food and water, but we're also worried about the power outages." The current status is that Ragasa is expected to make landfall in Guangdong province on Wednesday, with authorities urging residents to evacuate immediately. The storm's impact will be felt across southern China and northern Vietnam, with potential economic losses in the billions. As the situation develops, this article will provide updates on the storm's progress and its effects on the region. *Reporting by Bbc.*