China Evacuates Hundreds of Thousands as Typhoon Ragasa Approaches

Chinese authorities have evacuated hundreds of thousands of residents across 10 major cities in the south of the country as powerful Typhoon Ragasa approaches, bringing forecasts of destructive winds, torrential rain, and flooding.

Schools, workplaces, and public transport systems have been suspended as part of the emergency measures.

In a statement, officials in Shenzhen warned that the storm is expected to unleash “severe impacts of wind, rain, waves, and flooding starting from the night of September 23,” urging residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary. 

Exceptions have been made only for rescue teams and essential service providers.

Moreover, authorities have activated flood-control protocols in several southern provinces, cautioning that heavy rainfall will intensify late Tuesday. 

In Shenzhen, emergency services are prepared to evacuate around 400,000 people from low-lying and coastal areas.

Multiple cities across Guangdong province, where Shenzhen is located, announced school closures and suspended public transportation in anticipation of the typhoon.

The aviation sector has also been hit hard. Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific announced the cancellation of more than 500 flights between Tuesday evening and Thursday due to severe weather conditions.