Super Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of the year, is barreling toward south China’s Guangdong Province with winds reaching Category 17 (202–221 km/h). Meteorologists report that as of 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, the storm was centered some 690 kilometers east-southeast of Yangjiang city, moving northwest at 20–25 km/h.
Forecasters predict Ragasa will make landfall Wednesday along the stretch from Shenzhen to Xuwen. After hitting the coast, it is expected to turn westward and gradually lose strength as it pushes inland. Yet its impact will be far-reaching: heavy to torrential rain is already on the radar for parts of Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang and Shandong provinces in East China.
Rising rivers are a critical concern. In Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan, water levels in some rivers could surge above warning thresholds. Smaller waterways in zones of intense rain may overflow, raising the risk of flash floods.
Authorities have ramped up emergency measures. The Ministry of Water Resources has maintained a Level IV flood-control response for Guangdong and deployed work teams to both Guangdong and Hainan for on-the-ground support. Guangdong Province elevated its wind-control alert from Level II to Level I, while Hainan Province upgraded its typhoon and combined flood-and-wind response from Level IV to Level III.
Local communities are urged to secure loose objects, prepare emergency kits and stay tuned to official bulletins. As Ragasa barrels toward the coast, coordinated efforts across provinces will be essential to protect lives and livelihoods.
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Super Typhoon Ragasa to make landfall in Guangdong Wednesday
cgtn.com
