Hong Kong implemented lockdown measures yesterday in anticipation of Typhoon Raggasa, which has been classified as the strongest tropical cyclone in the world this year. Authorities urged residents to remain indoors as the powerful storm disrupted air travel across East Asia while moving through the South China Sea.
People flocked to grocery stores in Hong Kong amid panic buying, leaving shelves nearly bare as they stocked up on essentials in fear of a two-day store closure.
Windows in homes and businesses throughout the city were taped shut in hopes of mitigating any potential damage from shattered glass.
The Hong Kong Observatory reported that Typhoon Raggasa, with winds reaching speeds of 220 kilometers per hour, poses a serious threat to the Guangdong coast, a neighboring region in China.
The typhoon is expected to retain its strength as it approaches the Guangdong coast and heads towards Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China after passing through northern Philippines.
China Central Television (CCTV) reported that over 770,000 residents in Guangdong have been evacuated, with more than a million expected to be relocated across the region.
Hong Kong issued the third highest level of typhoon warning at 06:20 GMT, advising most businesses and transportation services to shut down. Over 700 flights were canceled, affecting operations in Macau and Taiwan.
Meanwhile, Cathay Pacific announced the cancellation of more than 500 flights due to significant disruptions in air travel operations throughout Asia caused by the storm.
Other airlines also canceled multiple flights, and the most significant impact on air travel is anticipated on Wednesday.
Hong Kong International Airport, a major hub for flights across Asia and to Australia and New Zealand, will technically remain open during the storm, however, airport officials warned of “significant disruptions” to flight operations. Additionally, heavy rainfall in Kolkata, eastern India, resulted in electrical fatalities for four individuals, as extensive flooding disrupted the city’s mobility.